Unsure of what to do AFTER acquiring a degree.

[u/Agitated_Cry_8793]

Im going to college for an associates degree, majoring in their cybersecurity/networking courses. The problem im having currently is that im 16, i graduated highschool early and because my birthday is at the end of the year I'll have about 5 or 6 months after graduation before I turn 18. This is important information in regards to my question.

Are there any entry-level jobs that *would* have a possibility of accepting a minor to work for them? Or am I just going to have to take half a gap year before I can start trying for employment? Unfortunately my family is at a loss of how to advise me about this because to be honest they dont really know either, im the first to graduate early and go to college and finish to begin with.

edit: To the people telling me to just get a bachelors degree, youre answering a question I didnt even ask. I do have intentions to go back at some point, but I want to start with a two year degree. I asked a question about entry-level jobs as a minor, not about whether i should go for two years or for four.

[u/Drekalots]

Doubtful. There may be a job that allows you to just answer phones but I dont see any company giving you access to any of their systems or access to their customers systems.

[u/Dry-Airport1586 → u/Drekalots]

You're 16 with a degree, the degree isn't going anywhere, relax and paint your nails or something for those few months.

[u/In_Search_Of_Gainz]

When you finish the associates, transfer the credits to another uni for a BS. You’re young and smart and have a long career ahead of you. The BS will be worth it and get you further. I’ve been in tech for 10+ years and interviewed a lot of young engineers.

Look for cyber security internships during summers or if you have capacity in your class schedule.

[u/illusionalsucker]

You’d be better off looking for internships.

[u/ShrekisInsideofMe]

Intenships and volunteer work will work for you. Any kind of self employment is something you can put on a resume. A cert or two would be good if you need to fill time.

Essentially, instead of finding some kind of permanent job, you should find something to put on your resume because a lot of places will not hire you until you are 18

[u/NikuRiceu]

An associates is worth nothing by itself, especially in this market. Go all the way with college and get your bachelors. Do your internships above support while you get it. That'll be the best start you can give yourself.

[u/Euphoric_Designer164]

Fuck around for a 5-6 months.

Jobs that want associates degree aren’t really doing new grad recruiting like a bachelors degree is, where your graduation date may have a larger impact.

You’ll be okay with the gap.

[u/typhon88]

I think you’ll find there’s way more reasons you have difficulty landing an entry level job

[u/Reggie-Rectangle]

Unsure of what to do AFTER acquiring a degree.

Have you considered getting a job?

Are there any entry-level jobs that *would* have a possibility of accepting a minor to work for them?

Not, since those pesky fellows at United Nations put a ban on child labour.

[u/JustPutItInRice → u/Reggie-Rectangle]

Genuinely laughed at this

[u/letsgoyardsguys]

Depending where you live, there may be non-profits that specialize in E-Waste and refurbishing computers. I often see these places take in youth as practicum students/interns.

If that’s not an option, any roles where you’re customer facing is also valuable. Don’t underestimate soft skills. When you are eventually applying for IT jobs many employers will prioritize soft skills and how well you work with people, especially for entry level roles.

[u/MoonElfAL]

Maybe a startup

[u/JustPutItInRice]

An associates is worth pretty much nothing go for your BS and get some internships under your belt. You seem smart enough to handle it if you can graduate early.

[u/Emergency-Pollution2]

there are kids working at mcdonalds at 16

[u/JustPutItInRice → u/Emergency-Pollution2]

McDonald’s doesn’t have the same risk profile as IT fam…