Congratulations, high school graduates! You’ve reached a significant milestone, and now it’s time to explore the exciting opportunities ahead. The world is your oyster, and you’re free to choose your path—whether that’s continuing your education, gaining work experience, or studying abroad.
With so many options in front of you, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed as you try to decide what comes next. Don’t worry, this is your chance to shape your future and discover the path that’s right for you. Let’s explore some of the best options to help you figure out what to do after high school!
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is one of the best things to do after high school, especially if you’re looking to gain a global perspective and expand your horizons. Not only does it offer the chance to pursue post-secondary education in a new and exciting environment, it also allows you to experience a different culture. In fact, over six million students choose to study outside their home country for various reasons. It can:
- Expose you to new teaching methods
- Help you make lifelong friends
- Give access to specialized programs
- Boost career prospects
- Enhance language skills
Tip: If you’re still on the fence about what to do after high school and don’t want to commit to university or college degrees yet, a language course or short-term program could be a great way to explore options while gaining valuable international experience.
→Learn more: Benefits of Studying Abroad
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Gain Work Experience
Enrolling in post-secondary school isn’t the only path available once you graduate high school. Many high school graduates opt to gain practical work experience before deciding their next steps. This can be especially beneficial if you’re looking to explore career interests or simply want to build a resume while earning money.
Do volunteer work, take part-time jobs, or apply for internships. You can even gain work experience while studying, especially in countries like Canada, where international students have different options to work while enrolled in school.
Doing both helps enhance your resume, develop key skills, and make industry connections—all while continuing your education. Plus, it’s a good way to get a feel for working adult life while deciding what to do next.
Tip: Co-op programs are one of the best ways to gain work experience in Canada while still studying. These programs allow you to alternate between academic learning and paid work placements in your chosen field.
→Learn more: A Guide to Working While Studying in Canada
Learn a New Language
Did you know bilinguals earn between 5% and 20% more per hour than those who speak only one language? If you’re not sure what to do after high school, learning a new language could be a smart move. It’s a valuable skill that can significantly boost your future career by improving communication skills and opening doors to global job opportunities.
Apart from enhancing employability, mastering a new language can also:
- Improve memory, problem-solving, and multitasking skills
- Enhance cultural awareness
- Help you connect with more people
- Boost confidence in international settings (great for travelling abroad!)
Earn Practical Skills
If you don’t feel confident enough to gain work experience in Canada right away, another great option for what to do after high school is to focus on learning practical skills. Skills like business communications, sales, or digital marketing are highly valued in many industries and can provide a solid foundation for your future career. They can be immediately applied in various work settings and set you up for success as you explore different career options or consider further education.
Tip: Micro-credentials, six- to eight-week, skill-focused programs, are an efficient and affordable way to add value to your skill set and bolster a resume. They can help you stay competitive and job-ready!
→Learn more: Short-Term Courses in Canada to Land a Job
Travel Abroad
What’s after high school? The world! Travelling abroad is one of the best things you can do after you graduate. You’re now free from exams, classwork, and extracurricular activities—it’s the perfect time to step outside your comfort zone and see the world outside of textbooks and social media.
This is your chance to live in a different culture, make new friends from around the world, and become fluent in a new language. Travelling to places like Canada will teach you invaluable life skills and make you a more independent, adaptable person. Plus, the experience can open doors to amazing future opportunities around the world.
Tip: Take a gap year or combine your travels with online courses to keep learning while exploring new destinations.
Go to College or University
One of the most common answers to “What to do after high school” is to pursue higher education. This is a great option for people with a specific career goal in mind, and who want to gain the knowledge and training needed in that field.
Attending college or university allows you to dive deep into your area of interest, whether that’s business, engineering, the sciences, the arts, or anything in between. You’ll learn from experienced professors, participate in hands-on projects, and build a professional network that can support you long after graduation.
Your Next Chapter Awaits at ILAC International College
High school may be behind you, but your future is full of boundless possibilities. Discover your path forward at ILAC International College.
With our career-focused co-op programs, study abroad, gain work experience in Canada, and earn practical skills all at once. Through industry-relevant curriculum, expert guidance, and vibrant campus life, ILAC will help you build the knowledge, confidence, and connections to achieve your dreams. We also offer career services, student activities, and ongoing support to ensure you’re prepared for success in the Canadian job market and beyond.
The answer to “What to do after high school?” is in ILAC International College. Contact us today to learn more about our programs!