Explore YOUR Career Options

Start your exploration process now! You may choose a job that is in demand in North Dakota, such as a computer systems analyst, science teacher, heating and air conditioning mechanic, chef, or registered nurse. Or how about a job that is action-packed, such as a fire fighter, police officer or oil field worker? What about being a doctor, stockbroker, or power plant operator?

Once you determine some paths you might be interested in, you can visit with professionals who work in those fields and industries. You can also job shadow someone to see what the job looks like, or participate in activities related to your career interests.

To find out more about careers that align with your skills, abilities, and values, go to RUReady.ND.gov or Insights.ND.gov. Use these sites to find descriptions about the thousands of jobs available in the U.S. and to see how the skills you learn in the classroom apply in the real world. It’s easy to use and readily available to all middle and high school students in North Dakota. Ask your school guidance counselor for information on how to access this program.

By exploring academic programs and planning for your future, you’ll know more about the career options available and what training or education you’ll need to achieve them.

Plan YOUR Future?
Students in Classroom

A college education is about more than just securing a job and a steady income. With a high school diploma or less, your job options and future earnings potential will be limited. In fact, some jobs that once called for a high school diploma now require more education.

For example, many service and repair technicians now receive training beyond high school. The need for skilled workers, such as registered nurses and electricians, continues to increase in North Dakota and throughout the U.S. Plus, there is a growing need for people who have four-year degrees, such as scientists and engineers, and graduate and professional degrees, such as school administrators and pharmacists.

Whatever career you choose, planning now will increase your options later.

Jump Start YOUR Career

If a college degree is your goal, it’s never too early to start preparing for college. You’ll want to start imagining what your college journey might look like. Remember to focus on developing quality organizational skills, good time management skills, maintaining grades, and excellent note taking skills and study habits. These skills will help you continue to succeed in high school and set you up for success in college as well.

You should take a wide variety of high school courses to help prepare you for college and the future. By exploring many subject areas, you may find the career that best suits your interests and talents. Some electives, such as visual/performing arts, career and technical education, and foreign languages, may influence your career choice.

If you plan to earn a bachelor’s degree, the North Dakota University System (NDUS) recommends you take a mathematic course during each year of high school, including advanced Algebra. Additional high school core courses may be required before you can be admitted to an NDUS institution or even some academic programs.

Visit with your high school guidance counselor to find out which courses your school offers and which courses are required for you to attend an NDUS institution.

Also, you may want to get a head start on college by accumulating college credit before you start college. High school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 have the potential to earn college credit while in high school. There is also potential to earn enough college credits while in high school to earn a certificate or associate degree. Earning those first college credits enables you to learn advanced material, and also introduces you to how well you will be able to handle the additional rigor of college-level studies. Starting college studies early helps smooth the transition to college life.

College students who are North Dakota residents and who have completes college coursework as a high school student from a North Dakota institution may qualify for a $750 scholarship. You can receive this financial assistance after completing at least one semester at an institution of higher education in the state. For eligibility requirements and the application process, visit the NDUS website at NDUS.edu. If you can’t afford to pay for college credit while in high school, you can take out a student loan to cover the cost or apply for assistance offered by BND.

Choose NORTH DAKOTA for Your College Experience
NDUS Map

North Dakota has an institution that is just right for you! The NDUS includes 11 unique public institutions that offer many areas of study, room for you to grow, opportunities to learn in a small or larger classroom setting, cutting-edge technology, sports, student government, music, and student clubs and organizations. NDUS institutions provide a variety of ways to access your educational needs, including face-to-face learning, hybrid, and online.

Explore each institution and what it has to offer to meet your future goals. Explore More Now

Apply for North Dakota SCHOLARSHIPS

The North Dakota Scholarship is offered to North Dakota High School Graduates. These programs reward students who meet specific coursework, grade-point-average and test score requirements. If you qualify, you may be eligible for up to $6,000 for study at eligible institutions of higher education within the state. Your high school counselor can work with you to make sure you’re taking the right steps to qualify for this scholarship, or you can call the ND Department of Public Instruction at 701.328.2244.

The ND Career Builders Scholarship & Loan Repayment is a tool for businesses to recruit and retain talent in high-need occupations in North Dakota. This innovative partnership provides $1 of state funds for each $1 of matching funds for up to a total of $17,000 per recipient! Individuals can receive a scholarship to apply to tuition fees, a student loan repayment, or both. These incentives are provided upon commitment to stay in the state and fill high-demand occupations. Your high school counselor can work with you to make sure you’re taking the right steps to qualify for one of these scholarships. For more information, contact NDUS at 701.328.2906.

Other ND scholarships and grants are also available. Go to ndus.edu/paying-for-college/ to learn more.

Plan AHEAD for Education Expenses

BND wants you to Be Confident with the choices you make for your life after high school. If you plan to continue your education after you graduate, you have important financial decisions to make. What will you do so you can avoid high amounts of student loan debt? Now is the time to start your research and develop your plan.

Some important steps to include in your plan are to save for future educational expenses and think about how you can reduce those expenses. On the saving side, North Dakota’s College SAVE 529 Plan is a great option. It helps families save for college tax-free, and if you’re 15 years old or younger, you may be eligible for a one-time $300 BND Match.

When it comes to reducing expenses, there are multiple ways you may be able to cut costs including the following:

  • Take college credit in high school or AP courses now. These give you a head start on earning college credit and may help meet some scholarship criteria. If you need help paying for the courses, BND offers a Dual Credit Assistance program and student loan option.
  • Apply for as many scholarships as possible. North Dakota Dollars for Scholars offers a variety of scholarships to high school seniors and college students who are attending or have graduated from a North Dakota high school or home education program. You can create your profile and track activities and accomplishments throughout high school, so you’re ready to apply when you’re a senior and during your college years. Visit with your school counselor about a list of additional scholarships and tips on applying.
  • Compare the tuition and living costs of your current school selection with others. Can you achieve the same degree at an institution that is less expensive? Could you attend an institution closer to home where you can live with family and decrease expenses?

Beyond saving and considering ways to reduce costs, another step to developing your plan is to visit bnd.nd.gov/confident. You can find the starting salaries of careers that interest you and plug those into the calculator provided to get a target for the maximum amount of student loan debt that is recommended by financial experts. Then, there are lots of tools to help you figure out what to do next. This will help you make informed and confident decisions as you consider different careers, educational costs and your financial future. Follow BND on Facebook or Instagram for the latest money tips.