by Sabrina Hiltunen
Career Coordinator, CLE Monterey

At a crossroadsPost-secondary options are expanding, and high school seniors are recognizing college may not be the best path for them right after graduation (if at all). They are asking themselves:  

  • Is college the right fit for me?  
  • Is traditional college my only option?   
  • Will my parents support the idea of exploring a career path?  
  • What if it doesn’t work out?  

Societal and peer pressures to attend college directly after high school can lead families to make decisions that may not ultimately be best for the student. While it may feel uneasy for a student to question college, it is also an example of how they are advocating for their own decisions as a new adult.   

Regardless of what path students choose, there are many options to assist them, such as College Living Experience (CLE). Our program supports neurodiverse students on college and career paths, and in addition to comprehensive career coaching, CLE’s support includes independent living skills, academic support, financial literacy, and social skills development.   

Career and vocational pathways have many benefits for high school graduates. Whether it is a gap year before college to learn and gain experience or a necessity to pay for life’s expenses, be open to exploring a career instead of college. Below are resources to research in-demand careers, trends in industries, and job market growth, as well as professional development and training programs.   

Seek out Highly Marketable Jobs  Electrician

Plumbers, electricians and car mechanics are examples of occupations that are consistently in demand and do not require degrees. Click here to visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics list and information on the 20 occupations with the highest projected percent change of employment between 2023-2033.   

In addition, MyNextMove.Org is an invaluable resource that allows users to:   

  • Search careers by industry and job title  
  • Complete a quiz to discover a career path based on one’s interests   
  • Discover emerging careers   
  • Search jobs by the level of experience, education, and training needed (ranging in five different categories from “little to no preparation needed” to “extensive preparation needed”)   

The Benefits of Benefits (AKA – Compensation Packages)   

Compensation packages are a key factor when comparing career paths. A job with a higher salary or wage with little to no benefits may cost more out of pocket than a job with one.   

Benefits packages may include:  

  • Signing bonus  
  • 401k  
  • Stock options  
  • Tuition reimbursement  

CLE’s Comprehensive and Individualized Career Program  

Greenwood SystemCLE students complete the Greenwood System™ career assessment, a comprehensive report that discovers and details an individual’s personality, abilities, and interests. CLE’s Career Coaches utilize the results to discuss potential jobs for students based on their strengths and skills.  

CLE provides the following support in one-on-one career coaching and small-group instruction:  

  • Career exploration  
  • Interview skills  
  • Job application support  
  • Soft skills development  
  • Workplace etiquette and expectations  
  • Professional communication   
  • Follow-up strategies after submitting applications and interviews  
  • How to advocate for accommodations   
  • Volunteer partnerships within the community  

To learn more about CLE’s Career Development Program, call our National Admissions Advisors today at (800) 486-5058. Learn more about our eight locations across the country by visiting Experiencecle.com.