education aft

EDUcation after high school

There are lots of ways that you can get to your desired career and achieve your goals after you graduate from high school. These options are just one piece of your future career puzzle.

Apprenticeships

Skilled Trades Program

Kentucky Employment Training

Kentucky College Map

Associates Degrees

Bachelor's Degrees

Advanced Degrees

Future Finder

Student Success Programs

Military

LET FUTURE FINDER HELP YOU FIND YOUR FUTURE!

Bachelor's Degree

Possible Careers:

• Teacher
• Accountant
• Software Developer
• Marketing Manager
• Registered Nurse
• Human Resources Specialist
• Graphic Designer
• Financial Analyst
• Journalist
• Social Worker
• Civil Engineer
• Business Manager
• Environmental Scientist
• Public Relations Specialist
• Data Analyst

A bachelor’s degree is a four-year college degree that gives you advanced knowledge in a specific subject and can help you qualify for many professional careers.

Poetential Careers:

• Electrician
• Plumber
• Carpenter
• HVAC Technician
• Welder
• Automotive Mechanic
• Chef
• Dental Assistant
• Construction Worker
• Machinist
• Graphic Designer
• Hairdresser or Barber
• Elevator Installer
• IT Support Specialist
• Heavy Equipment Operator

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a training program where someone learns a job by working with a skilled professional, gaining hands-on experience and getting paid while they learn. Apprenticeships usually take between 1 to 4 years, depending on the job and the program.

Possible Careers:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Paralegal
• Web Developer
• Radiologic Technologist
• Dental Hygienist
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Computer Support Specialist
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Preschool Teacher
• HVAC Technician
• Respiratory Therapist
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Engineering Technician
• Criminal Justice Professional
• Veterinary Technician

Associates Degree

An associate degree is a two-year college degree that teaches basic skills and knowledge in a specific subject, often preparing students for a job or further education.

Advanced Degrees

Possible Careers:

• Doctor
• Lawyer
• University Professor
• Psychologist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Research Scientist
• Financial Manager
• Social Worker
• Data Scientist
• Pharmacist
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Architect
• Public Health Administrator
• Clinical Psychologist
• Business Consultant

Having an advanced degree means you have completed additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree, like a master’s or doctoral degree, which provides specialized knowledge in a certain field. Most advanced degress take between 2 and 7 years to earn after completing a bachelor's degree.

Skilled Trade Program

Possible Careers:

• Electrician
• Plumber
• Welder
• Carpenter
• Auto Mechanic
• HVAC Technician
• Mason
• Roofer
• Boilermaker
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Heavy Equipment Operator
• Pipefitter
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Solar Panel Installer
• CNC Machine Operator

A skilled trade program is usually a 1-2 year training program that teaches you how to do a specific hands-on jobs for high-demand industries where you will usually earn certifications rather than degress.

Possible Careers:

• Infantry Soldier
• Pilot
• Medical Technician
• Engineer
• Intelligence Analyst
• Logistics Specialist
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Military Police Officer
• Firefighter
• Aviation Mechanic
• Navy Sailor
• Combat Medic
• Communications Technician
• Supply Chain Manager
• Coast Guard Officer

Military

Joining the military means becoming a part of your country's armed forces, where you serve, train, and work to protect the nation and its people, usually 4-8 years. The military can also help pay for education after your service.