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There are over 22 million people who are self-employed in the United States. Starting a business takes passion and creativity. With the advancements and popularity of internet based businesses, there are many options available to those with a good idea and knack for business. Have a product you want to sell? There are many sites in which you can showcase your merchandise. Etsy is a very popular choice. There is a wealth of information on the internet to help you get started. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, this is a chance for you showcase your skills and learn from the process.

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Vocational or Career Training Certificate 

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Vocational or Career Training Certificate 

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A popular option for individuals looking to enter the working world is pursuing vocational or career training certificates, which tend to require some course work and field experiences. Not all careers require a four-year degree from a university. Many careers place great value on certifications and real life workplace experience. There are a variety of positions, such as information technology experts, dental hygienists, radiology technicians, and medical transcriptionists that often require a certification that takes much less time to earn than a bachelor's degree. You can research areas that interest you and find out if a certificate program is available.

Here is a video describing the pros of pursuing this option after graduation:

http://study.com/vocational_courses.html

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Take adult education classes or online classes 

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Take adult education classes or online classes 

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Adult education classes are a great way to sample college life without going full-time. It will give you the opportunity to take various classes and decide what direction you wants to go in before committing to a major or degree program. Start by researching community colleges in your area to find one that offers classes that appeal to you. Online college level courses have become very popular in recent years. There are a variety of websites (YouTube being the most popular) that offer free college lectures for the public to view; however, programs like Coursera and EdX offer certifications of completion, which can be verified with a university for a small fee. Despite the fact that you will not earn college credit for these courses, they are college level and provide a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that can be applied to your future education or employment.

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Taking some time to volunteer is a wonderful way to not only give back and provide a service, but it builds character along the way. For those looking to travel and do some good in the world before bigger responsibilities begin to pile up, after high school is a good time. Two well-known option for doing this are the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. The PeaceCorps is international service work, which may be limited for high school students, as these positions tend to go to those with college degrees; however, there are still options for high school students. AmeriCorps is a better option for high school students, even though assignments will be only within the United States. The AmeriCorps Vista allows individuals to become employees of a non-profit and receive a small stipend for housing and living costs.

Here is a video describing volunteering with AmeriCorps!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgdRkzLKlPM

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The ROTC program is a popular (but not the only) choice for students after graduating from high school. It is not only a form of service to one's country but there are many perks to joining the military including competitive pay ($30-$45,000), free health care, low cost of living, ample vacation time, and your tuition is paid for while in the service if you decide to pursue a degree while in the service. Students interested in traveling as you can be stationed across the globe, and military members can retire with full benefits after 20 years of service.

Here is a video describing the benefits:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyFnC4a_xvM

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There may be students who are ready to join the working world and start making some money. Most people with a high school diploma will most likely start out at a minimum wage position, but do not underestimate the power of working hard, having integrity, and professionalism. These qualities go a long way and there are opportunities for valued employees to work their way up the chain and make a very competitive salary. Pursuing a job is a good opportunity for students to gain real world experience, learn how to work well on a team in a professional environment, gain life lessons and start saving some money. If you decide to pursue a degree somewhere down the line, you will be in a much better place financially to do so.

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These schools offer specific vocational training for a wide variety of skilled careers. Often these careers are in the area of skilled labor and many of them pay very well! You also have very good job prospects, as there are often labor shortages, as companies often cannot find skilled workers. This is a great option for those who feel they would be more successful learning a specific skill or trade versus the traditional academia of college.

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It is normal to desire a break upon completing high school and there are many students that decide to take a year off before entering college in order to recharge their batteries, engage in enjoyable activities they may not have had time for, explore their interests, travel, work and save money, and also take part in meaningful activities, such as an internship. Many students feel rested, energized, and motivated to begin school upon the completion of their gap year. That is why it is important to ensure that your gap year is spent doing something meaningful and worthwhile.

Here is a video describing why more students are taking gap years before entering college, including President Obama's daughter!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZRKxkYiINk

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Great option for students who may not be ready to attend a four-year institution or for those who are not in a place financially. Community colleges offer a wide variety of associate degrees and certificates for a fraction of the cost, especially if you are living at home. It also makes the transition to college easier and it also gives students the time to explore and define their interests.

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Being an intern or an apprentice gives you the opportunity to "test drive" a career before making a commitment. While many internships and apprenticeships are unpaid, they provide valuable experience in the work force, and may give you the push you need to excel in your area of choice.

Additionally, internships and apprenticeships only focus on what applies to the field, making this a good choice for those students who might not have been fond of the general studies aspect of high school. Also, internships and apprenticeships very often lead to full-time employment if you perform well. Companies like Enstitute provide full-time paid apprenticeships for people aged 18-24.