COLLEGE AND CAREER AREN’T OPPOSITES
style hair after deciding college wasn’t for her. Even if students do want to get a bachelor’s degree, it’s not always as simple as enrolling. I have another friend who has to pay her way through college. Thankfully, she was able to take college classes while still in high school and complete her Associate’s degree. Now, while in a gap semester between high school and nursing school, she is using her degree in healthcare to work at a local hospital and get valuable experience for her résumé and money for her upcoming college expenses. How’s that for a success story? BUILDING MORE THAN A RÉSUMÉ Whether you’re learning a practical skill like how to change your car’s oil or a personal skill like communication and problem- solving, businesses love employees with diverse capabilities (and your friends will thank you too!). Some of the most useful life experiences I had going into college came from the business I started in eighth grade. After five years, I had products in multiple stores across state lines. Talk about learning time and financial management! So whether you plan to take your skills into the workforce or not, it’s awesome that schools are offering unique opportunities to get real-life experience. You never know when a skill you pick up now will open a door later.
• What jobs can students qualify for immediately after graduation? HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Choosing a career pathway doesn’t close the door on college. In fact, many students earn industry certifications while also completing AP courses or dual enrollment. Others discover a career interest before investing in a four-year degree. Personally, I knew I wanted to go out of state for college, which was more expensive, and I hoped to stay for my master’s degree, so I took a ton of college classes and went in as a second-semester sophomore. It saved a ton of money and I was able to graduate with my secondary degree much faster. While in many CTE courses, you learn technical skills (hello, part of the name!), you also learn soft skills like teamwork, professionalism, leadership, and critical thinking… tools that will definitely help you
Don’t dismiss trades as “less than.” Your child may have different interests than you, and that’s okay. And if you’re worried about their financial security, know the median annual wage for dental hygienists in the US is $94,000, $77,000 for radiologic technologists, and $62,000 for electricians. Key tip: Encourage exploration before senior year. Check with the guidance counselor for dual enrollment deadlines. Remember: They can also learn beyond the classroom, with internships, apprenticeships, business mentors, and more. When I was in high school, a dear friend had scores of hours job shadowing and volunteering with the hospital. (I’m sure she wishes she could’ve joined a corporate work study program like a nearby private school that now places every student in a professional role with one of 50+ local employers!) Regardless, it was through her experiences that she discovered she really wanted to go to medical school. You never know what newfound love they might discover when they go outside of the “traditional school” box!
in college and beyond. QUESTIONS EVERY PARENT SHOULD ASK:
• What career academies are offered? • Which certifications can students earn? • Are internships available? • Does the pathway include dual enrollment? • What local employers partner with the school?
2026 | ColoradoParent.com 9
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