Ideas for direction-less recent graduate?

Parent Cafe
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<p>We have a family friend, a 2011 high school graduate, who has no idea what to do with himself now. He thought it would be a waste of money to go to college because he had no major in mind; he absolutely doesn’t want the military; he’s been looking for jobs but having no success. At this point, he’s registered for community college in the fall, thinking he’ll get general ed courses out of the way. But he’s not very happy at the prospect of going right back into school again. He was so elated to be finished with high school!</p>

<p>He’s a personable, fun guy. I’d guess he had a B average–was in NHS. Played one varsity sport, but not a star athlete. Was in the choirs and the plays and can sing and play guitar. He passionately loves the musicians he’s a fan of. He likes traditions and organizing groups to do things. He planned a great themed graduation party for himself! </p>

<p>I wish I’d had a chance to talk to him sooner–so many of the colleges we’ve visited say that the largest Freshman major is “Undecided.” I don’t see how he’ll come up with any new ideas for himself if he isn’t exposed to anything new or different. </p>

<p>I’d really appreciate any thoughts you all might like to share! Thanks :)</p>

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<p>Community college can give him a chance to do academic exploration without the financial and institutional pressure to decide quickly that would exist at a four year school.</p>

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<p>I’d encourage him to get out there pounding the pavement and getting a job. </p>

<p>As an employer (retail store), I would like to hire a recent high school grad who was bright enough for college but didn’t go, that would be interested in learning the business and making a contribution. I’d call him a management trainee and hope he was ambitious enough to work up to management level.</p>

<p>No reason he couldn’t get some college credits under his belt while working full time.</p>