Future Options
A traditional path toward a career is might not be for you.
Think about where you want to be five or 10 years from now. What do you need to do to make that dream a reality?
More than one option listed below might fit your goals at different times in your life. You don't have to limit yourself to this list; explore any option that sounds exciting to you.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps projects include managing after-school programs, cleaning parks and streams, teaching computer skills, responding to natural disasters, improving health services and more. The national volunteer program has more than 70,000 participants each year.
AmeriCorps service requires a nine to 12-month commitment, full or part time, for people age 17 and older. AmeriCorps volunteers may receive modest living allowances during their service and education awards at the end of their service. These awards can be used for college costs or to repay student loans.
For more information, visit the AmeriCorps Web site (www.americorps.org) or ServeMinnesota (www.serveminnesota.org).
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship programs offer the best of both worlds: They combine paid work experience with technical instruction in a specific occupation. You can choose from 100 different occupations offering apprenticeship programs. Graduates are well paid and have skills that employers want.
Click here for more information about apprenticeship.
Online & Distance Learning
Distance learning is where students and their instructor are not in the same location. Instead, interactive technology is used (like e-mail, Web-based tools, audio or interactive television).
This type of learning might be a better match to your lifestyle. To find out if distance learning is right for you, take this quick online quiz on ISEEK.
Go to this ISEEK page for more about K-12 and higher education online programs and courses.
Higher Education
Higher education refers to any type of additional education after high school. It can be long or short term and you can receive a variety of different certificates or degrees.
Read more about types of higher education, schools, costs, financial aid, school contact information and how to apply.
Military
Each of the five branches of the U.S. military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard — provide opportunities similar to civilian (nonmilitary) careers. The military provides exceptional opportunities for travel and self-discovery in which you can also receive training and gain work experience.
Skills learned — like teamwork, responsibility and leadership — are traits employers look for when hiring employees. Some military opportunities provide assistance to help pay for college.
See this page for more information about the military.
Work
Another option is to enter the workforce right away. However, finding the right job for you can be easier with job seeker tips and resources.
To learn more about resume writing, labor laws, the services offered by the Minnesota WorkForce Center system and other job seeker resources: check out these pages:
That's Not All
There are other options for your future not listed here, such as U.S. Freedom Corps, service learning, internships and volunteering to name a few.
For local community service opportunities, visit Volunteers of America of Minnesota (www.voamn.org).
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