High school graduation can cause a mix of emotions. Some people are excited to move onwards, some are nervous about what’s to come. You’re leaving a fairly structured environment and becoming an adult. So many things seem possible, how do you proceed?
Non-College Route
If you’re looking to work, we’ve got resources to help you land the job.
Skill Development: See a job that requires proficiency in something you’re not knowledgeable about? Your CPL library card gives access to LinkedIn Learning, where you can take free classes on things like spreadsheets, sales, project management and more!
Resume Feedback: Every employer wants a resume/CV (curriculum vitae). But how to know if yours is any good? Through our Brainfuse partnership, you can get free resume feedback and practice your interview skills, Login with your library card to get started.
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- Need help starting your resume? Got Resume Builder is a free site with lots of templates.
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In-Person Library Events: We offer so many events across our library system, it can be hard to find what you’re looking for! But if you apply the “Jobs and Careers” event filter, it will show you all upcoming events in that category. Check it out periodically for things like resume workshops, career fairs, and skill development classes.
College
Every college program is different, but here are some suggestions to get a leg up starting day one:
Campus Resources: No college is the same, but most offer a wide variety of student resources. Look on your school’s website for something that says “campus resources,” “student experience," “campus life,” or something similar. Here you can find things like health resources, first generation student support, cultural clubs, and more.
Pre-meeting: If the school, dorm, or degree program invites you to a group forum, join it! This can be a great place to connect with other students before meeting in person. Didn’t get invited to one? Try searching for things like your college name and graduating year to see if there are unofficial ones.
Library: We hope you continue to utilize us as a resource. But don’t underestimate the power of your new school’s library! Just like us, they may provide access to publications like JSTOR and EBSCO (for peer-reviewed articles), newspapers like New York Times / Chicago Tribune / Chicago Sun-Times, and interlibrary loan to receive books not in the collection. Chat with your school’s library to see what else is free on tap!
Gap Year / Study Abroad
Hoping to travel and explore before settling into the next stage of your life? Our subscription to Mango Languages will help you practice the language of whatever locale you’re heading to.
Take a deep breath, don't worry. Whatever avenue you choose after high school, if it doesn't feel right, you can always pivot to something else.