College & Career Pathways

Four-year colleges or universities provide learning in an array of subjects while preparing students for careers. They grant bachelor's degrees, which enable students to pursue opportunities in a wide spectrum of jobs. Students who earn a bachelor's degree may also continue their education and pursue a graduate degree.

References

• University of Minnesota
• Minnesota State College and Universities System
• Minnesota Private Colleges
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU)
• Midwest Student Exchange Program
• Colleges that Change Lives
• College Simply

College Search Websites

• Big Future
• Cappex
• College Confidential
• College Navigator
• InLikeMe
• Niche.com
• Princeton Review

Video

"What's Ahead for College Admissions in 2023-24" - Huntington Learning Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5mbR7bAKXA

Two-year colleges are schools that provide affordable postsecondary education as a pathway to enter the workforce with a certificate, associate degree or transfer credits to a four-year college. These schools have open admission policies and accept all students with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Explore Two-year Community Colleges

• Community College Finder
• Minnesota College and Career Schools (earn a certificate, diploma, Associate in Applied Science or Associate in Arts)
• National Junior College Athletic Association
• Community College FAQs
• Eight Reasons Why Community College Might be the Best Choice After High School

If You Plan to Transfer to a 4-Year Public University

• Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
• Transferology

• Occupations and Employment: You can search by career cluster or by specific career title to find: general work activities, helpful high school courses, skills and abilities, physical demands, interests, knowledge, hiring practices, wages, employment, and outlook.
• Education and Training: You can find information on: programs of study, Minnesota colleges, colleges throughout the U.S., undergraduate and graduate school sort (by major, degree, location, size, etc.), and financial aid.
• Assessment Tools: There are a variety of assessments available that measure your: interests (IDEAS and O*NET Interest Profiles) skills (SKILLS – matches careers to skills you like/possess), values (O*NET Work Importance Locator), and career preference (Career Cluster Inventory).
• Practice Tests: There are practice tests available for: ACT, AP tests, SAT, SAT Subject tests, PSAT, ASVAB, GED and CLEP.

Additional Resources

• Career Pathways Tool: Minnesota Employment and Economic Development
• ASVAB Career Information Program
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (K-12)
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Career One Stop
• CAREERwise
• MyMajors

The demand for trade workers is at an all-time high. 

• Trade schools offer practical training and education to prepare students for specific skilled careers. Get more information about what trade schools offer.

Resources

• Learn more about Training, Trades and Jobs through Project Build Minnesota
• Construction and Skilled Trades Career Counseling Resources: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

The military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve — who they are, what they do and why they do it.

Need Help Deciding Which Branch to Join?

Explore Careers in the Military

Joining the workforce is a good opportunity for recent high school graduates to transition into adulthood by learning the responsibilities of holding down a full-time job and personal financial management. It’s also important to focus the job search on positions that allow for career growth, as opposed to typical jobs that hire teen workers.

A GAP year is a semester or year of experiential learning, typically taken after high school and prior to career or post-secondary education, in order to deepen one's practical, professional, and personal awareness. Gap year programs are available for a wide range of interests, including:

• National and global volunteer and enrichment
• Internships and work experiences
• Language immersion
• Conservation and sustainability
• Academic learning
• Fine arts and media
• Adventure travel

Resources & Articles

We've put together a helpful guide to get you started on your journey toward post-high-school planning. Download the Orono High School Post-high-school Planning Guide and take a look!