There are many pathways youth can follow post-graduation and regardless of situation, each youth is trying to find the decision that is right for them. Attending college after high school is not for everyone. Some youth choose to take a year or two off before continuing their education, while others jump right into the workforce.

Finding a job is often a challenge for youth in the United States. Young people must determine what careers are available, what their actual interests are, and what skills they have or need to develop within an employment system that is often not easy to navigate. Many tools and resources that allow young people to explore job opportunities come from the education system. However, there are also youth-focused non-profit organizations that work with schools or other community organizations to provide youth with employment resources.

The U.S. Department of Labor sponsors two resources that help youth identify potential career pathways. One of them is Career OneStop, which is a website that provides a range of career-exploration help such as up-to-date information on job salary and benefit information along with related education and training opportunities. The website also has job search tools, resumes, and interview resources, in addition to people and local institutions to help jobseekers virtually. Further, the Department of Labor runs the American Job Centers (AJCs), also known as OneStop Centers, which provide job referrals, counseling, and other supportive services to help with both job search and location of local training and education resources and opportunities.