You've put in long hours studying for the GED. You've aced the Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts tests, and finally, finally, you have your diploma in hand. But what can you do with it? What doors have opened up to you? Read on to learn more about how you can put that hard-won GED to work for you!
Option #1: Going to Trade School
Trade school careers are booming right now! With so many people having flocked to traditional colleges, there's been a drop in the number of people going to trade schools. And that means those who do end up pursuing a career in a trade job are making excellent money because of it. So now that you have your GED, you're able to enroll in trade school. And wouldn't you know it, we have one right here in Lubbock.
South Plains College has many courses in trade jobs, like welding, automobile mechanics, electricians, nurses, and many others. And with some of them, you can finish the schooling in two years. Plus, as a college (as opposed to a university), their tuition is substantially lower. With a lower tuition rate and less time to completion, you'll be able to dive faster into the workforce, meaning you'll be making money (and a lot of it) sooner than your university peers.
Need help understanding tuition, student loans, and how to pay for trade school? Our friends over at LEARN can help you navigate the money side of applying for college.
Want to learn about your options at South Plains College (SPC)? Their Admissions Office is ready to help!
Option #2: Going to College
Some career paths require you to have a bachelor's before you can begin working in that field. If that's what you're interested in, Texas Tech University is a great place to go! It's numerous colleges provide plenty of opportunities for you to find your passion, whether that's Fine Arts or Engineering.
PRO TIP! If you're interested in earning a bachelor's, but want to save as much money as possible, South Plains College has a unique partnership with TTU called Texan to Red Raider (the SPC mascot is a Texan). You can complete your core requirements at SPC for a fraction of the cost, then transfer over to TTU for the more specialized classes. That way, you can save money! If that's something you're interested in, talk to your SPC advisor to learn more.
Option #3: Negotiate for a Raise at your Current Job
Now that you have your GED, you've proved yourself. And your employers should know about it! You can use your newly-earned GED to negotiate for a raise at your current job. The worst they can say is no, right? And at best, you can convince them that you should be making more money, now that you've demonstrated you're a valuable employee.
Asking for a raise can be a scary undertaking, but luckily, there are plenty of people out there who know the best ways to make that ask. Check out this guide from Indeed about how to ask for a raise!
Option #4: Find a New Job
Your GED has opened more job opportunities for you! Your demonstrated educational level means you can apply for a wider range of jobs. Many of them pay more, have better hours, and come with benefits too. Indeed is a great place to start looking for a new job here in Lubbock. LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter are also great sites to check out too!
Plus, if you're new to the job market, our friends over at the Lubbock Workforce Commission can help you understand things like resumes, interviewing, and career development. They're a great resource to use if you're starting out or not sure where to begin job hunting.
If you'd prefer to just read about those things on your own, then Indeed has a Career Guide loaded with good information.
Regardless of which path you choose, the world is your oyster! There are so many new and exciting opportunities open to you, now that you have your GED. So congratulations on your achievements, and good luck moving forward!
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