4-year Colleges/ Universities

• A school where students take courses to gain general knowledge in arts, sciences, and humanities plus a major in a specific field of study.
• Students earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Classes can be taken in person or online.
• Examples of majors:
  • Business, Nursing, Psychology, Communications, Statistics, Education, Music, Biology, Pre-Med, Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Agriculture, Criminal Justice, and many, many more!
• Examples of careers that require a bachelor’s degree:
  • Engineers, Teachers, Marketing Managers, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, etc.

2-year Colleges (Community Colleges)

• A school where students can earn certificates, diplomas, and Associate degrees. Some students directly enter the workforce after training, others may transfer to a 4-year college or university to complete a degree.
• Training ranges from 1-2 years.
• Example: Attend Delaware Technical Community College for two years to earn an Associate degree in Accounting and/or earn general credits, then transfer to the University of Delaware to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
• Example: Attend Delaware Technical Community College and earn a certificate in cooking, then after obtaining it, go right to work in a restaurant.
• Example: Attend Cecil College to earn an Associate degree in Criminal Justice, then going on to the Police Academy to become a Law Enforcement Officer.

Technical and Career Trade Schools

• A school that specializes in technical training so students can go directly in a career after completing the program.
• Training ranges from 2 months – 2 years
• Example: Attend the Universal Technical Institute to earn a degree in Automotive Technology
• Example: Attend the Delaware Skills Center to earn a certificate in Construction, Computer Network Support, Plumbing, Licensed Practical Nursing, etc.
• Example: Delaware Technical Community College Workforce Development Program
• Other examples include certificates from technical and career schools in: Massage Therapy, Paramedic/ EMT, Firefighter, Electrician, CDL Commercial Truck Driver, Cosmetologist, or Dental Assistant

Military

• An opportunity to serve your country in either the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard, or US Space Force
• If you serve a certain amount of time, the military will then pay for your college education OR you can have a full career serving in the military.
• To enlist, you will need to:
  • Speak to a military recruiter in your interested branch
  • Study and take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) exam. This is a timed multi-aptitude test that helps the Department of Defense not just determine whether you are a good fit for the military, but also will help determine what type of jobs you can hold after you finish basic training or boot camp.
  • Stay or get in good physical shape.

Did you know there are a variety of different jobs within the Military?

Technology & Engineering

• Cybersecurity Specialist – Protects military networks from hackers
• Drone Operator – Controls unmanned aircraft for surveillance and missions
• Radar Technician – Tracks aircraft, ships, and weather patterns
• Engineer – Builds roads, bridges, and buildings for the military
• Satellite Communications Specialist – Helps the military stay connected through satellites

Medical & Emergency Response

• Combat Medic – Provides first aid and emergency care for soldiers
• Dental Specialist – Helps keep soldiers’ teeth healthy
• Veterinary Technician – Takes care of military working dogs and other animals
• Search and Rescue Specialist – Helps find and save people in dangerous situations

Aviation & Mechanics

• Pilot – Flies planes and helicopters for missions and rescues
• Aircraft Mechanic – Fixes and maintains military airplanes and helicopters
• Submarine Technician – Works on submarines, keeping everything running smoothly
• Tank Operator – Drives and operates tanks in missions

Logistics & Support

• Chef – Cooks meals for soldiers on base or in the field
• Military Police Officer – Helps keep order and safety on military bases
• Supply Specialist – Manages military equipment, food, and uniforms
• Construction Worker – Builds roads, buildings, and structures on military bases

Specialized & Unique Careers

• Military Dog Handler – Trains and works with dogs to detect threats
• Musician – Plays in military bands for ceremonies and events
• Interpreter & Translator – Helps communicate in different languages during missions
• Diver – Works underwater to repair ships and retrieve objects