Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University

16%

UCLA

27%

+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Most popular alternative job paths after college?

Hey guys, I'm really unsure about what to do after college. What are the most common alternative paths people take if they don't go to grad school? Is it just jumping straight into the workforce or are there other routes, like entrepreneurship, fellowships, or overseas opportunities that people pursue?

7 months ago

Absolutely, there are a variety of alternative paths one can take after college, instead of going to graduate school.

One popular path is entering the workforce right away. Many graduates seek out roles that align with their major or field of studies. For instance, engineering graduates might look for entry-level engineering roles, or history graduates might find positions in museums or historical societies.

Then there's entrepreneurship. While starting a business can be risky, it allows you to follow your passions and potentially build a unique career. Success stories of college graduates turning their business ideas into multi-million dollar companies are inspiring, to say the least.

Fellowships are another option. Some graduates will apply for competitive post-undergraduate fellowships, such as the Fulbright or Rhodes scholarships. Fellowships often involve advanced research or work experience abroad, which can be incredible learning and growth opportunities.

Various overseas opportunities are also popular, such as teaching English abroad in countries like Japan, Korea, or Spain through programs like JET or Teach for ESL. This path can offer cultural immersion, travel opportunities, and valuable work experience.

Then, there's the option to volunteer or do service work with organizations such as AmeriCorps or Peace Corps, providing services to communities while gaining valuable life experience.

Finally, another path is attending a vocational or trade school to learn specific skills. A lot of lucrative fields, such as HVAC work, plumbing, or carpentry, can be accessed through vocational school rather than a traditional four-year university.

Remember, there's no right or wrong path to take after college. It all depends on your individual goals, interests, and circumstances. It can be helpful to speak with a career counselor, your college advisors, or professionals in fields you're interested in to help determine the right path for you.

7 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.