BY- Marissa Spires
Before getting any further into this article, Congratulations! Finishing the end of your general education career is worth the celebration. You might be wondering, “well now what?” This is a great question, and normal to ask yourself. Everyone’s path after high school can look completely different, and iUrban Teen wants to help you feel confident in achieving the next steps that you are hoping for.
If going to college to pursue higher education is your goal, chances are maybe you’ve already applied to college before graduating. Maybe you’ve heard back from some of the schools as well! If this is you, and you’ve been accepted for the Fall, congratulations again! That next part of your educational journey and career path is so key and will be so exciting. Be sure to keep track of your email notifications for updates from your school and stay ahead of the new student checklists. You’ll want to figure out course registration, and dates for orientations and move-in. Never be afraid to ask for help or clarification! The better informed you are, the better prepared!
If you’re still in your college search, or not yet sure if it’s something for you—summer is the perfect season for exploring your options. Start off by dedicating a little time every day or every week to looking up schools and programs you’re interested in. Be sure to consider what subjects and careers you’re interested in, what location, what your budget may be, and financial assistance, and even other factors like clubs/student life, and housing.
Regardless of whether you’re college-bound already or on your search, the summer is still rich with opportunities to gain experience and get prepared. Attending events through iUrban Teen this summer, or with any local organizations, is a great place to start. Another great option is completing a summer internship, applying for a part-time job or both. These will help you get ahead on building your resume with experience that both schools and future employers will see. Bonus points for creating a LinkedIn profile—it’s a social platform designed for connecting the business world, where students and workers can network, find, and share opportunities and achievements. The good thing, too, about working over the summer or completing a paid internship is being able to earn some money! Learning to budget and save is great college preparation and build self-independence for the real world!
Graduating high school is just the start to reaching your higher potential. The key to opening those new doors for yourself is to take initiative and seek them out!