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Career Planning

Not every successful journey starts with a 4-year degree. We are committed to supporting students pursuing technical trades, military service, and immediate career entry. Use these tools to build your professional future.

Trade & Technical Schools

  • Eastern Suffolk BOCES: Launch your career with hands-on training and professional certification in high-demand fields like Automotive Technology, Healthcare, Construction, and Cosmetology. With local campuses in Oakdale and Riverhead, ESBOCES provides high school students and adult learners with industry-recognized credentials and direct job placement assistance to help you move straight from the classroom into a successful career.

  • Hunter Business School (Medford Campus): Located just a few miles east of Sayville, Hunter offers accelerated, hands-on training for high-demand "allied health" roles such as Medical Assistance, Practical Nursing (LPN), Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound), and Radiologic Technology.

  • Suffolk Community College: SCCC is home to some of the most respected technical programs in New York. Students can choose from a wide array of career-focused degrees—including Nursing, Veterinary Technology, Cybersecurity, and Culinary Arts—all designed to turn your passion into a professional edge.

  • Long Island Trade School Directory: A list of local accredited programs for specialized certifications (HVAC, Electric, Welding).

  • Apprenticeship.gov: Search for local "Earn while you Learn" opportunities in the New York area.

  • NYS Department of Labor (Apprenticeship Info): NYS Registered Apprenticeships offer a direct path into fields like Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, IT, and the Skilled Trades through a combination of paid on-the-job training and professional classroom instruction.


Military Service

  • The Five Branches: Links to Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Recruitment events are held at the school cafeteria periodically throughout the school year. Check the Guidance Office event listings for updates!

  • ASVAB Testing Info: Everything you need to know about the entrance exam for military service.

  • ROTC Programs: Information on pursuing a college degree while preparing for a commission as a military officer.


Career Exploration & Salary Data

  • O*NET OnLine: Search occupations to see daily tasks, required skills, and "Bright Outlook" jobs.

  • NYS Civil Service: Secure a stable career with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Many roles in Administration, Healthcare, and Technical Services are currently available through the NY HELPS Program, which bypasses traditional exam requirements for qualified candidates to fast-track your hiring process.

  • Suffolk County Civil Service: Access stable, local careers in Public Safety, Healthcare, and Administration with comprehensive benefits and pensions. Use the HELP Program to apply for permanent roles like Caseworker or Social Services Examiner immediately—no civil service exam required for qualified candidates.

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: The gold standard for checking average salaries, required education, and job growth projections.


Employment Readiness

  • Naviance Resume Builder: Log in to your Naviance account to easily track your high school activities, volunteer work, and achievements, and instantly format them into a professional resume.

  • Interview Prep: Tips on how to dress and speak for your first professional interview.

  • Working Papers: In New York, teens aged 14–17 need working papers (employment certificates) to hold a job. Print out an application here or pick up a hardy copy at the Guidance Office.

Questions about these pathways?  
Please contact your Guidance Counselor for personalized assistance with vocational applications, military recruitment info, or career exploration.

Disclaimer: The resources and links provided on this page are for informational and educational purposes only. Sayville High School and the Sayville Public School District do not endorse, recommend, or guarantee any specific career paths, schools, training programs, or external organizations listed here. Students and families are strongly encouraged to conduct their own independent research and due diligence when exploring these career options and educational institutions.