There are several paths one can take when choosing a career.  Among those are higher education, entrepreneurship, the armed forces, skilled trade, and professional career types.

Higher Education

Some choose to start working right after high school, while others choose to seek higher education, starting their careers two to five years after graduating from high school.  Higher Education is schooling from a university, college, vocational school, or community college that provides one with an associates, bachelors, masters, professional certificate, or professional degree like a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or a JD (Juris Doctor), which is held by lawyers. 

The truth is, getting a college education, whether 2 or 4 year, allows one to make more money and be flexible in their choice of career.  According to the 2002 U.S. Census Bureau Report, high school graduates averaged almost $26,000 in yearly salary compared to an average salary of more than $45,000 for a college graduate.  Although there may be some exceptions as in the case of a skilled construction worker who according to indeed.com makes an average of $49,000 yearly, the bottom line is an associates or bachelors degree gives one a better chance of success and income growth.  A graduate or professional degree increases your worth even more.     

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are risk takers.  They have ideas or concepts that they try to capitalize on by opening businesses, developing products, or providing services.  They usually have strong connections to the local community, and oftentimes craft their products or services around the needs of that public.

Successful entrepreneurs do their homework.  They research their competition, finding out what makes them different from their competitors, they also scout out and research business locations, and trends in their particular industries. These businessmen and women also know when they should and should not take a risk.  Business classes are a great plus to this career type. 

Military

The military is comprised of the Army, the Marines, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard.  These organizations defend the United States of America by combating actual or perceived threats.  The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a common requirement for entry into the Armed Services. Used as a multiple-aptitude test, the ASVAB measures strengths, weaknesses, potential for success, and also provides career information for various civilian and military occupations. Here is a little information about each military branch.

The Army – The Army is the oldest branch of the U.S. Military and one of the most powerful fighting forces on earth.  The Army contains such groups as the Army Rangers and Special Forces.  According to todaysmilitary.com, the length of service varies and could be as minimal as two years.  To enlist in the Army you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, between the ages of 18 and 42, and a high school graduate or GED recipient.  You must also pass the ASVAB test and a physical fitness exam.   

The Marine Corps – The Marine Corps is the smallest branch of the military, but a major role as the first force on the ground in most conflicts.  The Marine Corps is built on the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.  To join the Marine Corps you must be between 18 and 28 years of age, have a high school diploma, and pass the ASVAB test.  GED recipients should see their local Marine recruiter if interested in The Corps.  Visit the government section of our mentoring center for first hand advice from a Marine.

The Navy – The mission of the Navy is to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas.  The Navy comprises such elite groups as the Navy SEALS and Navy Divers.  To be eligible to enter the Navy you must be between the ages of 18 and 34, have a high school diploma, and take the ASVAB test.  GED recipients should see their local Navy recruiter for more information.

The Air Force – The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace.  Not recognized as its own military branch until 1947, the Air Force operates under the vision of global vigilance, reach, and power.  To become an Airman, you must be between the ages of 18 and 27, have a high school diploma, and take the ASVAB test.  GED recipients should see their local Air Force recruiter for more information.

The Coast Guard – The Coast Guard is “Always Ready.”  Operating under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and under the Navy during wartime, the Coast Guard protects our nation’s waterways, performs search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental clean-up operations.  To join the Coast Guard you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien between 18 and 27 years of age, have a high school diploma, and take the ASVAB test for placement determination.  GED recipients should see their local Coast Guard recruiter for more information.

Along with protecting our country, each branch of the Armed Services also has several different career paths one may take.  Research and explore your options.  There are also Officer Training Programs for people who have received a bachelors, graduate, or professional degree. Visit www.todaysmilitary.com for more information or visit your local recruiter.

Skilled Trade

Do you like to cook, build things, or style hair?  If so, then maybe a skilled trade is for you.  Skilled trades are professions that you must become licensed or certified to do.  Electricians, carpenters, cosmetologists, pharmacy or medical technicians, chefs, and auto mechanics, among others are examples of skilled trades.

Training for most of these occupations is gained through attending a trade school or a vocational program. 

Professional

Although the word “professional” can describe anyone who has been educated in and has some years of experience in a particular field, when someone refers to a professional job, they are more than likely speaking of white collar type careers.  White collar job types are those administrative, clerical, and executive office jobs that are non manual or require no labor.  Most jobs that require a 4-year degree fall into this category. 

When job searching it’s possible that you may also see another category called paraprofessional.  This category describes someone who may have a degree, but maybe no experience or vice versa who would assist a professional in a particular set of duties.  These are great learning positions and will put you on the track to becoming a professional in a particular field of interest.