Career College Central

Road Map to High School Completion, Financial Planning & Career Success 4 2 How long is your road? Understanding secondary education If you can start working in your desired field with just your GED, go for it! You will gain valuable experience that will enhance whichever path in education you take. However, for long-term success, it's a good idea to examine occupations and industries that require at least a certificate, diploma or associate degree — even for many desirable entry-level positions. Some short-term training programs help graduates find careers in several major fields, including • Information technology • Business and arts • Health care • Mechanical BENEFITS OF CAREER COLLEGE TRAINING If you are like many others who want to apply their high school education as quickly as possible to a career, there are many options for career college training programs. Career college training has many advantages: • Shorter programs and focused training • Class schedule flexibility for working students • Opportunities to connect with local employers after you complete your training • A variety of financial aid options available for students EARNING YOUR ASSOCIATE DEGREE If you just completed your high school education, an associate degree at a private or public community college may make sense. If you aren't sure if you want to earn your bachelor's degree, this is a good way to get a general education foundation that you can build on later. You may also choose this path to give yourself a chance to prove you can maintain a solid GPA in your college studies before transferring to a four-year college or applying to a bachelor's degree program. EARNING YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE While you should choose the degree program that best suits your professional interests, it can pay to consider the advantage of earning your bachelor's degree, if there are programs relevant to your occupation. Current data shows those who earn their bachelor's degree make an average weekly salary of $1,137, compared with $798 for those who have their associate degree. MAP THE ROAD THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU Do you see how many doors can open once you complete your high school education and start mapping your postsecondary education? If you're ready to figure out which direction to go, learn how to choose the right program and school for your career preparation. Source: bls.gov

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