High school isn’t the finish line; it’s the starting point. After you earn your diploma or GED, the next step is post-secondary education. If you’re thinking about a career and want to know what options you have, learning about post-secondary education is the first step. So, what is post-secondary education?
What is Post-Secondary Education?
Post-secondary education is the education you pursue after high school. It includes training programs, trade schools, community colleges, and universities. Whether you want to become a doctor, a trade professional, or a computer technician, post-secondary education helps you build the skills you need to start a new career after graduating from high school.
Types of Post-Secondary Education
There are many paths to take after high school. Here are the most common options:
Trade Schools: These focus on hands-on job training. You can learn skills in HVAC, medical assisting, or network engineering. Programs are short and focused on getting you job-ready.
Community Colleges: These offer 2-year associate degrees and certification programs. Many programs prepare you for a 4 year degree program.
Universities and Colleges: These offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees and beyond. They focus more on theory and general education, with some career training depending on the major.
Why Post-Secondary Education Matters
High school gives you a base, but most jobs today require additional knowledge and skills. Post-secondary education gives you the training that can help you start a career. For example, if you want to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), you can attend a training program like the one at CyberTex. By the end of the program, you will have learned the skills you need to work in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
How Long Does Post-Secondary Education Take?
It depends on the program. Trade schools typically take 6 months to 1 year to complete, community colleges take 2 years, and universities require 4 or more years to complete. Many people choose the shorter programs at trade schools so they can start working sooner.
Is Post-Secondary Education for Everyone?
Not everyone wants to spend 4 years in a university, and many like to learn only what matters to their career. Fortunately, post-secondary education offers more options. If you prefer hands-on work and are ready to start working, trade schools may be a better fit. Programs like the ones at CyberTex are built for people who want a clear path to a real career without wasting time.
What are My Other Options After Graduating from High School?
Graduating from high school is a big step. But what comes next? You’ve got more choices than just going to an educational institution. Whether you want to start working, learn a skill, or keep studying, there’s a path that fits your goals.
Start Working
Some high school grads jump straight into the workforce. You might find a job in retail, food service, or an entry-level office role. While this gives you money and experience right away, it might limit your long-term job growth if you don’t keep building your skills. Many people work while attending a trade school so they can earn and learn at the same time.
Enlist in the Military
Joining the military is another way to build skills, travel, and serve your country. You can earn money for school and get hands-on experience in everything from mechanics to healthcare to cybersecurity. Make sure to talk with a recruiter to understand the commitment and what to expect.
Take a Gap Year
Some students take a year off to work, travel, or volunteer. A gap year can give you time to figure out what you want. Just make sure you’re using it to learn something new or build experience, not just putting life on pause.
Start an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships offer paid, on-the-job training. You earn while you learn. These are great if you want to work in a skilled trade. However, the drawback to starting out as an apprentice is that you may get pigeonholed into one skill or not have room to grow in your career. The best way to become an apprentice is by completing the trade program at CyberTex. It can give you a full skillset so you are ready to take on anything that comes your way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to learn a skill and start your career fast, trade school might be the best place to begin. CyberTex can help you get started with programs built for real jobs.
Want to Learn More?
CyberTex offers short-term technical training programs in the Information Technology, Medical, Healthcare, and Construction Trades. We are a student-centric institute that equips students with workplace skills for initial employment, paving the way for desired and financially stable careers.
Contact us today to learn more about our CyberTex campuses in Austin and Killeen.
