8 answers
Jaylen
Student
Locust Grove, Georgia
3
Questions
Asked
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Would you recommend people to go into college or pursue something else in life?
School ain’t really for me so is there something else that’s equally as good to get into? #school
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8 answers
Kevin Finn
Tax Intern
2
Answers
Quincy, Massachusetts
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
I think that the answer to your question revolves around what you want to do for a living when you're older. I knew going into college that I wanted to study accounting and work in the field, so for me it was an easy decision to go to college as that is what I needed to do to break into the field. It is definitely very wise to consider your options when you are not 100% set on going to school. A lot of people end up wasting their time and money at college because they do not have an idea of what they want to do, and do not put enough effort into finding something that interests them or that they could see themselves doing for a career. I think once you have a rough idea of what interests you career-wise, the choice becomes a bit easier. There are definitely jobs/careers that do not require a college degree to obtain, then it just becomes a matter of finding something that interests you. The good thing about college is that you can go anytime you would like. If you worked for a few years and decided you wanted to pursue a college degree, it is always there.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jaylen one important thing to consider before enrolling in college is whether you're ready to make the most of it. That doesn't mean that you should think of all the parties you'll go to; that means that you should take honest stock of whether you're ready to make choices that will have a huge impact on the rest of your life. Many new college students simply aren't ready for the level of responsibility it takes to succeed at that level. Whether they're too immature, too unsure of what they really want or just plain not willing to spend more time in school, some new high school graduates aren't ready for the experience of college.
Another thing to consider is whether going to college is going to get you where you want to go. Do you feel pressured to go into business, when what you really want to do fix cars? Are you more satisfied putting in a hard day's physical labor than you've ever been after a day at school? You don't necessarily need a degree from a 4-year college if you want to go into a trade profession. Some jobs don't require any schooling beyond a high school diploma, but instead rely on worker experience for advancement. If what you really want to do with your life isn't something that requires a degree, you might just want to jump right into that as soon as you can, without having to pay for school with both money and time.
But not going to college doesn't mean that you can sit around and expect things to happen for you. College is a great way to gain entry into a profession. Without this, you might have to do a little extra work or research. Some jobs require people to start out doing a low-level job and work their way up. Others require an internship or apprenticeship period. Not everyone likes school, and you should be honest with yourself - and everyone else - about whether you want to do four more years of schoolwork after high school. It's OK if you decide that college isn't for you. But whether you decide to go or not, the best thing to do after graduating from high school is to think carefully about your goals, and work diligently to attain them.
As high school student near graduation, your next step is usually a choice between entering full-time employment or pursuing higher education. As each choice is accompanied with advantages and disadvantages, it's important to factor in career interest, financial capacity, academic preparation and life-long goals when deciding between the two. There are careers that do not require a traditional four-year college education but do involve vocational school or working alongside someone trained in a specialty field. Jobs such as an auto mechanic, real estate agent, fitness trainer or plumber are examples. If this is your interest, an internship or apprenticeship may be a better choice than going to college.
Are you passionate about keeping people and communities safe from harm? If you choose to serve as a police officer, you will be responsible for enforcing laws, responding to reported incidents, and patrolling neighborhoods. To become a police officer, an individual must obtain the necessary certificates and successfully complete police academy training. Working in this role is rewarding in that it helps protect others and has the potential for career advancement.
Those searching for a rewarding health care career that does not require a college degree could explore the idea of becoming a medical assistant. These professionals perform the essential duties needed to provide patients at hospitals and physicians' offices with the best care possible. Responsibilities include taking and recording patient vitals (e.g. blood pressure, weight, temperature), assisting physicians with exams, scheduling appointments for patients, and preparing various patient samples for lab tests. Daily duties can be learned either by earning a related certificate, or through on-the-job training.
Although no higher degree than a high school diploma is required to become a flight attendant, airlines may prefer that they have a college degree, or at least some college experience, especially as flight attendant jobs continue to be competitive. For relevant college coursework, aspiring flight attendants could consider attending a program at a travel and tourism school. Or, they can consider online degree programs to become a flight attendant.
Another thing to consider is whether going to college is going to get you where you want to go. Do you feel pressured to go into business, when what you really want to do fix cars? Are you more satisfied putting in a hard day's physical labor than you've ever been after a day at school? You don't necessarily need a degree from a 4-year college if you want to go into a trade profession. Some jobs don't require any schooling beyond a high school diploma, but instead rely on worker experience for advancement. If what you really want to do with your life isn't something that requires a degree, you might just want to jump right into that as soon as you can, without having to pay for school with both money and time.
But not going to college doesn't mean that you can sit around and expect things to happen for you. College is a great way to gain entry into a profession. Without this, you might have to do a little extra work or research. Some jobs require people to start out doing a low-level job and work their way up. Others require an internship or apprenticeship period. Not everyone likes school, and you should be honest with yourself - and everyone else - about whether you want to do four more years of schoolwork after high school. It's OK if you decide that college isn't for you. But whether you decide to go or not, the best thing to do after graduating from high school is to think carefully about your goals, and work diligently to attain them.
As high school student near graduation, your next step is usually a choice between entering full-time employment or pursuing higher education. As each choice is accompanied with advantages and disadvantages, it's important to factor in career interest, financial capacity, academic preparation and life-long goals when deciding between the two. There are careers that do not require a traditional four-year college education but do involve vocational school or working alongside someone trained in a specialty field. Jobs such as an auto mechanic, real estate agent, fitness trainer or plumber are examples. If this is your interest, an internship or apprenticeship may be a better choice than going to college.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Kristen. “Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Doc Frick
Thank you Dexter for your continued support. We can get everything in life we want if we can just help enough other people get what they want.
Doc Frick
Brock Allore
Tech Support Management
10
Answers
Mankato, Minnesota
Updated
Brock’s Answer
Jaylen I was the exact same way. I didn't find school very fulfilling when I was younger and was just going to play my cards with a diploma. There are many opportunities for you without higher learning, but I will tell you its a steeper hill then you would have with something.
Something I would want you to consider is educational or informative interviews. If you have NO clue about what you want to do but maybe have a few interests look for people in your community in that field. Many small businesses have contact emails online and reaching out to ask if an owner or manager would have 30 minutes to talk with you about what they do and why they do it. People that sell things, people that make things, people that fix things. There are many places to look.
Another idea to consider that is much different of an experiance then how highschool was is a trade school. You learn practical and real skills such as metalworking, or plumbing, electrical work and learning "hands on" can be much more enjoyable for a lot of people. Also the trades are jobs that will realistically NEVER go away. Good friend of mine went to school to be a welder. He barely passed highschool, but with his trade he makes more then I do with my 4 year business management degree.
Something I would want you to consider is educational or informative interviews. If you have NO clue about what you want to do but maybe have a few interests look for people in your community in that field. Many small businesses have contact emails online and reaching out to ask if an owner or manager would have 30 minutes to talk with you about what they do and why they do it. People that sell things, people that make things, people that fix things. There are many places to look.
Another idea to consider that is much different of an experiance then how highschool was is a trade school. You learn practical and real skills such as metalworking, or plumbing, electrical work and learning "hands on" can be much more enjoyable for a lot of people. Also the trades are jobs that will realistically NEVER go away. Good friend of mine went to school to be a welder. He barely passed highschool, but with his trade he makes more then I do with my 4 year business management degree.
Russell Strife
Network Assurance Engineer
3
Answers
Carthage, New York
Updated
Russell’s Answer
Like said before, College isn't for everyone. There are your book smart people and your hands on smart people. I myself do alright with schooling but when it comes down to it, I would much rather (and learn better) doing hands on / real world work. Such as an electrician, can read books until you pass out of boredom and only retain about 10% of it or wire up a 3 way dimmer switch controlling ceiling lights in your home on your own that you will remember and retain.
Many people have said that in the near future that Trade skills (construction, electrical, hvac, plumbing, auto repair, etc.) will be in dire need of people. Can even go do Lineman school and get in a electrical union and make a pretty good living for yourself.
It's your choice and there are many options out there, just have to see what interests you and stick with it.
Many people have said that in the near future that Trade skills (construction, electrical, hvac, plumbing, auto repair, etc.) will be in dire need of people. Can even go do Lineman school and get in a electrical union and make a pretty good living for yourself.
It's your choice and there are many options out there, just have to see what interests you and stick with it.
Tiffany Bray, CTPRP , MBA, CPM
Risk Manager
11
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
a 4 year college may not always be the answer but you first have to ask yourself what are you wanting to do. A trade skill is always a great option if you have an interest in that. you should get a pen and paper and determine what it is you are wanting to do.
Thomas Sutherland
Associate Continuity and Recovery Specialist, CBCP
207
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Yes, there are plenty of great jobs that do not require a college degree.
"Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Do you need a college degree to hit the job market? Maybe not. College isn't for everyone, but skipping out on a degree doesn't mean missing out on a high-paying job. Our list of the Best Jobs Without a College Degree includes careers for those with a high school diploma or associate degree. Some jobs that don't require a degree do require apprenticeship training or certificate completion before starting, while others may allow you to dive right in and learn on the job. Find the right career path for you and see the best jobs that don't require a degree. For more information on how we rank, read the Best Jobs Methodology.
Here are the best jobs without a degree:
Home Health Aide
Personal Care Aide
Wind Turbine Technician
Phlebotomist
Massage Therapist
Landscaper and Groundskeeper
Medical Assistant"
Source: https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-jobs-without-a-college-degree
"Best Jobs Without a College Degree
Do you need a college degree to hit the job market? Maybe not. College isn't for everyone, but skipping out on a degree doesn't mean missing out on a high-paying job. Our list of the Best Jobs Without a College Degree includes careers for those with a high school diploma or associate degree. Some jobs that don't require a degree do require apprenticeship training or certificate completion before starting, while others may allow you to dive right in and learn on the job. Find the right career path for you and see the best jobs that don't require a degree. For more information on how we rank, read the Best Jobs Methodology.
Here are the best jobs without a degree:
Home Health Aide
Personal Care Aide
Wind Turbine Technician
Phlebotomist
Massage Therapist
Landscaper and Groundskeeper
Medical Assistant"
Source: https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-jobs-without-a-college-degree
Zoe Titlebaum
Security
4
Answers
Murphy, North Carolina
Updated
Zoe’s Answer
Trade schools are also good!
Hi Zoe, can you give some more details around trade school? Who is a good fit for this type of school and what types of programs do they offer? It might help the student make an informed decision
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Dante D Kelly
Administrative Support
5
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Dante D’s Answer
It all depends.
College is not for everyone. However, when it comes to certain career fields, college is unavoidable. However, I always tell people to volunteer in a field doing something in their community to test the waters before officially confirming a career field. And I also tell people to go to www.scholarships.com or www.fastweb.com to look for any scholarships out there, in addition to federal student aid.
College is not for everyone. However, when it comes to certain career fields, college is unavoidable. However, I always tell people to volunteer in a field doing something in their community to test the waters before officially confirming a career field. And I also tell people to go to www.scholarships.com or www.fastweb.com to look for any scholarships out there, in addition to federal student aid.