Do These 5 Things Now to Prepare for Life After High School

Do These 5 Things Now to Prepare for Life After High School

Graduation may seem like light years away, but before you know it, you'll be fielding that (sometimes dreaded) question: “What are your plans after high school?” 

Whether you're still figuring it out or already have a dream school, career, or pathway in mind, there's more to preparing for your future than just showing up and getting your diploma. In fact, the actions you take now, even as a freshman, can set you up for greater opportunities, less stress, and more confidence when that cap and gown moment arrives. 

Here are five smart moves you can make now to set your future self up for success: 

1. Diversify, Then Define 

Explore your interests before you commit to one. 

High school is your built-in lab for discovering what you like and what you don’t - it’s a time to try things on for size. Want to join the robotics team and take an art class? Curious about coding, culinary arts, or creative writing? Try it all. 

Here’s why this matters: 
💡 Studies show that students who explore a variety of interests in high school are more likely to find a fulfilling career later. This exploration helps build a broader set of skills, like collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, that are valuable no matter what field you choose. 

Eventually, you’ll want to narrow your focus. But by exploring first, you’ll make more informed decisions about college majors, apprenticeships, or job training programs and feel more confident that you’re choosing a path you actually care about. 

Try this now: Join a new club or elective this semester that’s outside your comfort zone. You might surprise yourself. 

2. Practice Self-Advocacy and Leadership 

The best opportunities often go to those who speak up. 

Knowing how to advocate for yourself is a skill that pays off far beyond high school. Whether it's asking for help in class, applying for a summer internship, or talking to a counselor about your goals, being able to communicate your needs and take initiative is essential. 

And here’s the science: 
📊 Research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that leadership and communication consistently rank among the top soft skills employers and colleges look for in applicants. 

You don’t need to be class president to be a leader. Leadership looks like: 

• Organizing a study group 
• Helping run an event at school 
• Mentoring younger students 
• Standing up for yourself or others respectfully 

Try this now: Identify one situation this month where you can advocate for yourself or take a leadership role, even if it’s small. 

3. Take High School and Beyond Plan Tasks Seriously. Seriously. 

This isn’t busywork. It’s your future. 

Every Washington State student is required to complete a High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) to graduate, but it's more than just checking a box. When done thoughtfully, your plan becomes a powerful roadmap to your goals. 

Your HSBP helps you: 

• Connect your classes to your career interests 
• Prepare for college admissions or technical programs 
• Build your resume and gather letters of recommendation 
• Track your progress toward graduation 

Students who set goals and track them over time are significantly more likely to attend college or complete a training program after high school, according to multiple longitudinal studies. 

Try this now: Log into FWPS’s new HSBP platform, SchooLinks (ask a counselor or teacher if you’re not sure how), and check your progress. Set a new short-term goal. 

4. Build Real-World Experience (aka Get a Job, Internship, or Volunteer!) 

Experience is one of the best teachers, and it looks great on applications, too! 

Even a part-time job, summer internship, or volunteering (which is required to graduate anyway) can boost your resume, give you valuable life skills, and help you explore your interests. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), colleges and employers alike value real-world experience and community involvement. 

Try this now: Look into local programs like internships through the city, volunteer work through your school, or a part-time job that interests you. Speak with your school’s College and Career Readiness Specialist for guidance, if needed – they are available to support! 

5. Build a Network (Yes, Even as a Teen) 

Who you know matters, and you already know more people than you think. 

Connections matter in nearly every career. But “networking” doesn’t mean going to awkward events in suits. It means building relationships with people who can offer guidance, advice, or even opportunities. 

Start with: 

• Teachers, counselors, and coaches
• Mentors from clubs or internships 
• Family members or neighbors in careers that interest you 

📈 Studies from LinkedIn and other career research groups consistently show that most job opportunities come from personal connections, not online job boards. 

Try this now: Reach out to one adult in your life and ask them how they got started in their career. You’ll learn something, and they’ll probably be flattered you asked. 

One Last Thing: You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out 

Planning for your future doesn't mean having every answer today. What matters most is that you’re open to exploring, asking questions, and taking action, one step at a time. 

And guess what? You’re not in it alone. Your school counselor, teachers, and the College and Career team in Federal Way Public Schools are here to help. So, let's cheers to starting these five smart moves now, for a bright future with lasting success.

👀 Stay tuned for updates about this fall’s Life After High School Fair 

Coming October 22, 2025. Open to all high school students and families (and middle schoolers too)! You’ll get the chance to talk to colleges, employers, military reps, and more—all in one place. 

More details coming soon!