From heading straight into the workforce to pursuing a graduate degree, many postsecondary options can set you up for career success. But what’s the right fit? Let’s consider the options and weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each. Also, remember the FFA scholarships available for various areas of study.
PATHWAY
Graduate Degree Program
DESCRIPTION
• Obtain either a master’s or doctorate degree
• Requires an undergraduate B.A. or B .S. degree
COST
$$$$
BENEFITS
• Will ensure that you be come an expert in your chosen field, allowing you to work as a professor if you choose
DISADVANTAGES
• Can take nearly a decade to achieve
• Comes with many requirements, such a s publishing research papers and teaching undergraduate classes
• Likely requires writing and defending a thesis before your degree is conferred
PATHWAY
Four-Year Degree Program
DESCRIPTION
• Earns you a bachelor’s (B. A. or B.S.) degree in a specific field with the option to add a minor or double major
COST
$$$
BENEFITS
• Meets requirements of many employers seeking applicants who have at least an undergraduate degree
• A wide variety of areas of study
DISADVANTAGES
• Can be costly depending on which school you attend
• May end up working in a field that differs from the subject matter of your undergraduate degree
PATHWAY
Two -Year Program
DESCRIPTION
• Involves attending a two-year community college before the option of transferring to a four-year university
• Earns you an associate’s degree
COST
$$
BENEFITS
• Can reduce the overall cost of tuition and expenses in pursuing a bachelor’s degree
DISADVANTAGES
• May have a hard time finding your place at a four-year school after transferring
• Not all four-year programs accept credits from community colleges
PATHWAY
Trade School & Apprenticeship
DESCRIPTION
• Offers learning a trade such as electrician, plumber or welder through a trade school program
COST
$$
BENEFITS
• Often far less costly than a four-year degree program
• Curriculum focuses on practical skills to prepare you for your chosen field of work.
• Earn immediate experience through apprenticeship opportunities
DISADVANTAGES
• Prepares you for only one field
• Often involves physical labor that may not be for everyone.
PATHWAY
Self-Employment
DESCRIPTION
• While being on your own has risks, it can help you build your reputation and customer base at an early stage in your career.
COST
$$
BENEFITS
• You can make your own decisions about how to structure your business, who your clients are, and whether to grow or pivot to a different direction.
DISADVANTAGES
• The buck stops with you and you are responsible for all aspects of your operation.
• Because you are in charge, you may not have as much flexibility as you’d like when emergencies pop up or planning a vacation.
PATHWAY
Family Business
DESCRIPTION
• Whether it’s a farm business, a plumbing operation or something else, an established family business can offer a promising track for a career.
COST
$
BENEFITS
• You have unique insight and experience that other people joining the field may not have, which can help you get ahead.
• Family businesses also typically offer opportunities to follow a management or leadership track.
DISADVANTAGES
• Family dynamics can make it difficult to get your job done.
• Boundaries between work time and family time can be blurred.
• If there are multiple siblings in the family, you may have to share ownership.
