Which path is right for you after graduation?
As the school year winds down and graduation day approaches, our friends, family members or neighbors are preparing to take the next big step in life. For many students this is one of the most exciting times of their young lives, the beginning of a new chapter. However, while exciting, it is also a moment of great responsibility and uncertainty about what’s to come.
Not too long ago, high school graduates rarely went on to college after receiving their diploma, but now we are living in a time when attending colleges and universities has become the more “traditional” way to move forward. College is viewed as a rite of passage for teens to transition into adulthood and the working world, however, it is important to remember that Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh college may not be for everyone and there are many other options to explore following high school graduation.
Education is critical, but college is not the only option. There are several career paths, in healthcare, technology, operations, transportation and building trades that do not require a four-year degree for one to take a step forward.
If you are interested in alternative pathways after high school, keep the following possibilities in mind: trade-training programs and apprenticeships, job experience, volunteerism, community college or vocational school and travel.
These trade-training programs, apprenticeships and vocational opportunities aren’t just great options for those looking for a more hands-on approach to their professional development. They are also important tools that benefit our business community by helping to develop a more skilled and trained workforce. In fact, several members of the business community here in Saratoga County have identified this kind of workforce development as a major need, and work closely to assist the organizations offering these programs.
An example of these organizations in our area that can help raise awareness for students at a young age is the Washington-SaratogaWarren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Many students are likely aware of the numerous career and technical education services BOCES offers in our local schools, but in addition to those valuable services, BOCES also has several offerings for adults as well, including career and technical education programs and employment training.
Other local groups such as the Saratoga County Economic Development Corporation and Hudson Valley’s TEC-SMART facility in Malta also offer valuable programs for those seeking assistance in career training and job placement.
Attending community college or vocational school is also a great way to familiarize yourself with higher education options, and can be done on your own track. In the Capital Region we have several great community colleges, including Schenectady County Community College, Hudson Valley Community College and the Adirondack Community College. Each of these campuses have unique programs that will prepare you for whatever next step you may choose to explore.
Equally valuable to trade training, community or vocational education or BOCES would be to gain experience through working in a field of interest to you. This will help you to develop skills, increase responsibility and understand how a company or business runs. Other options that may help you find your path include national volunteer programs like AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps or the Student Conservation Association.
Regardless of what path you choose, this decision is ultimately yours to make – remember there are organizations and members of the community that can help you to find the path best for you. For more information on the different educational options available for you to explore before and after graduation, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office via email at walshm@nyassembly.gov or by calling (518) 455-5772. Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh represents the 112th Assembly District, which consists of parts of Saratoga and Schenectady counties.