You’ve finished school (or are about to) and suddenly everyone’s asking: “So, what’s next?”
It’s one of the biggest questions you’ll face—and honestly, it can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re bursting with ambition, totally undecided, or somewhere in between, the good news is: there’s no one “right” path after school. The key is finding what works for you. Let’s break down the options, with some guidance to help you decide where to go from here.
University: For the career-focused and curious
University can be a great next step if you:
- Have a career goal that requires a degree (like nursing, teaching, law, or engineering)
- Want to deep dive into a subject you’re passionate about
- Enjoy academic learning and independent study
Pros:
- Lots of flexibility—double majors, electives, exchange programs
- Opens doors to careers with higher qualification requirements
- Often comes with social perks like clubs, student unions, and campus life
Considerations:
- It’s a big financial commitment (although HECS-HELP defers payments)
- It’s usually 3+ years of study, so motivation and discipline are key
- You may not get hands-on job experience until later in the degree
If you’re thinking uni, start exploring course options early—most Queensland unis attend careers expos, and you can book open days or online info sessions.
TAFE or VET: For hands-on learners and job-ready pathways
TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and VET (Vocational Education and Training) are great options if you want:
- A more practical, skills-based education
- To enter the workforce sooner
- To explore trades, community services, health care, business, or creative industries
Pros:
- Courses range from 6 months to 2 years
- More affordable than university
- Strong focus on job readiness—many include work placements
Considerations:
- May offer a more structured learning environment than uni
- Certain career paths may require further study later on
TAFE Queensland has campuses and online options across the state—and some courses even align with Surf Life Saving careers like fitness, training & assessing, or aquatic safety.
Gap Year: For the curious and adventure-ready
Taking a gap year can be a smart way to press pause before making big decisions—but it’s important to be intentional about how you use the time.
Great reasons to take a gap year:
- Travel, volunteer, or work to gain life experience
- Build savings before further study
- Figure out what you really want to do
Make it count by:
- Setting goals: What do you want to achieve?
- Staying involved in your surf club—lead, mentor, train
- Taking short courses or certifications (like First Aid, IRB, or Bronze Trainer) to build your resume
A gap year isn’t “wasting time”—it’s creating space to grow.
None of the Above? That’s okay too
You don’t have to follow a traditional pathway. Maybe you want to:
- Start a business
- Go straight into full-time work
- Focus on creative pursuits
- Explore opportunities in your surf club or local community
There are heaps of alternative pathways that can lead to fulfilling careers and experiences. The key is staying open, proactive, and willing to try different things.
And remember: many SLSQ roles—from lifeguard to development officer to community educator—can lead to real, rewarding careers.
Surf Life Saving Queensland as a Launchpad
If you’re involved in surf lifesaving, you’re already building transferable skills:
- Leadership through patrols and youth programs
- Communication from working with teams, Nippers, and the public
- Problem-solving and decision-making in real-time situations
Don’t underestimate the value of your involvement—it can absolutely help you stand out in job applications, interviews, and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Life after school doesn’t come with a single road map. Whether you choose uni, TAFE, a gap year, or a less traditional path, remember this: you’re allowed to explore. You can try something, change your mind, and try again.
Ask questions. Seek advice. Take your time.
The surf might be unpredictable—but with the right mindset and a willingness to learn, you’ll find your direction.