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If I don't go to college what successful job could I get?
#college #future
22 answers
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Kendra A. Thanks so much for your interesting question.
In trying to answer your question, I am going to phrase it just a bit differently...consider the question "if I don't go to college, what successful career can I build?". In this rephrasing, I am suggesting to you that a job is different from a career. I bet you are pretty smart and can figure things out in ways that are positive for you. If my bet is correct, then you probably already understand that a job is generally something for the "here and now". You can get a "good job", depending on what your definition of a good job is. It could be the amount you get paid or the hours you work or your job flexibility. A career, though, takes some imagination, creativity, hard work and time/patience. A career typically lasts longer than a job...and in my opinion, a successful career includes a formal college education.
There are endless studies that show how a college degree helps people to grow..both professionally and personally. Also that being in a college environment can help to stimulate creativity and can help to build life-long relationships and strong networks. I also add, that your starting point in either a job or career can be elevated with a college degree.
Even in sharing this, I acknowledge that college may not be for everyone...I also acknowledge that college can and should be a personal experience and as such, you may find that you can create a college experience that is unique and comfortable for you. I wish you the best of luck on whatever path you take.
In trying to answer your question, I am going to phrase it just a bit differently...consider the question "if I don't go to college, what successful career can I build?". In this rephrasing, I am suggesting to you that a job is different from a career. I bet you are pretty smart and can figure things out in ways that are positive for you. If my bet is correct, then you probably already understand that a job is generally something for the "here and now". You can get a "good job", depending on what your definition of a good job is. It could be the amount you get paid or the hours you work or your job flexibility. A career, though, takes some imagination, creativity, hard work and time/patience. A career typically lasts longer than a job...and in my opinion, a successful career includes a formal college education.
There are endless studies that show how a college degree helps people to grow..both professionally and personally. Also that being in a college environment can help to stimulate creativity and can help to build life-long relationships and strong networks. I also add, that your starting point in either a job or career can be elevated with a college degree.
Even in sharing this, I acknowledge that college may not be for everyone...I also acknowledge that college can and should be a personal experience and as such, you may find that you can create a college experience that is unique and comfortable for you. I wish you the best of luck on whatever path you take.
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Kendra,
Depending on your definition of success, there are a lot of trade professions that make a lot of money especially in the New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania areas. An individual can do apprenticeships in 2 or 3 years and make a very stable living after only a few years. If someone enjoyed traveling they could enroll in flight attendant school and have the perks of making a living and having an affordable way to travel and see much of the world. The United States Postal Service hires high school graduates and offers great benefits and pay raises based on how long one works there. There are lots of options for individuals who choose to forego college in pursuit of starting a career. I also went to college and worked several jobs that did not require having a degree in the construction industry and organic farming.
Depending on your definition of success, there are a lot of trade professions that make a lot of money especially in the New York/New Jersey/Pennsylvania areas. An individual can do apprenticeships in 2 or 3 years and make a very stable living after only a few years. If someone enjoyed traveling they could enroll in flight attendant school and have the perks of making a living and having an affordable way to travel and see much of the world. The United States Postal Service hires high school graduates and offers great benefits and pay raises based on how long one works there. There are lots of options for individuals who choose to forego college in pursuit of starting a career. I also went to college and worked several jobs that did not require having a degree in the construction industry and organic farming.
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Kendra,
There are many jobs that you can do and earn good money without a college education. In my experience, being good at a job is about skill, no matter how you got those skills. In most things, skills are used through learning, whether formal or informal. I am not sure what you want or like to do, but I would say strive to be your best in what you do. Take classes, even if it is a single online class, to improve your skills. Seek out mentors who do what you want to do and do it well, then ask them how they learned to do it well. Many skills are simply improved through practice and feedback. Ask for feedback in whatever you are doing from people who want you do well. Feedback is the greatest gift you can get - it will tell you what you are already doing well and give you insights into how you improve.
Gloria
There are many jobs that you can do and earn good money without a college education. In my experience, being good at a job is about skill, no matter how you got those skills. In most things, skills are used through learning, whether formal or informal. I am not sure what you want or like to do, but I would say strive to be your best in what you do. Take classes, even if it is a single online class, to improve your skills. Seek out mentors who do what you want to do and do it well, then ask them how they learned to do it well. Many skills are simply improved through practice and feedback. Ask for feedback in whatever you are doing from people who want you do well. Feedback is the greatest gift you can get - it will tell you what you are already doing well and give you insights into how you improve.
Gloria
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Not every job requires a college degree. There is a shortage of workers in the skilled trades industries (ie. electricians, plumbers, etc.) and many of them are able to achieve a high level of income by working for a company and/or starting their own business. It will require training and experience to be able to get good at it but you are able to learn on the job.
It will be tough at first but once you gain the experience, there will be a lot of demand for your skills and you will have many opportunities to expand on your skillset.
It will be tough at first but once you gain the experience, there will be a lot of demand for your skills and you will have many opportunities to expand on your skillset.
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Brian’s Answer
A lot of the people in my industry (software) don't have a college degree and many of them make over six figures. If you are at all interested in exploring it further I'd recommend looking into local networking events as well as coding programs so you can begin to learn a popular language or two. From there in my experience while some older more traditional companies tend to focus on education or previous experience a lot of newer tech companies care more about your work ethic and what you are able to do and tend to try and help out demographics that are underrepresented in the industry.
https://builtin.com/ <--- this is a good tech focused site and you can even find companies that host meetups from time to time
https://www.meetup.com/ <--- this is another great resource for finding local groups to network with
https://www.freecodecamp.org/ <---- one of many of the free code resources out there if you want to learn more about software
Brian recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jon’s Answer
Hi Kendra! Here's a very different answer than the rest.
Spending four years in college can waste lots of time and money, compared to gaining four years of work experience. In most fields with four years of experience you'll be hired faster, earn more, and advance faster than anyone with just a bachelors degree and no prior relevant work experience.
So how do you get it? Lots of ways.
Computer programming, game and app development, security, help desk, system administration, technical documentation, and professional services:
Take free online courses in any of the technology areas you're curious about. Then start contributing to Open-Source Software (OSS) projects, or online games and mobile apps. You'll learn a ton, and can send links to your contributions to prospective employers, who can easily see that you have relevant experience.
Don't be intimidated by computer jobs! Jobs like Technical Documentation, Help Desk, and Technical Support are not that hard to learn, and pay $60-100k. You often get stock options that add much more to that. After you've learned that employer's software in your first position you can move up to jobs in the $100-200k range.
Bookkeeping isn't hard to start learning, and there's huge demand for it. You can start with free versions of popular software, take free tutorials, and then find part-time work, or find part-time assignments from remote-work platforms like Upwork. If you find you like it, you can later decide to go to school part time for Accounting or Tax Preparation, and they're good paying careers.
I also agree with Umesh’s answer. There are many Healthcare Certificates you can earn in one to two years, and they'll get you started in a great field, also paying $50k and up. You usually get great health insurance benefits, and many employers will pay education benefits so you can learn new things and level up if you're interested.
Good luck!
Spending four years in college can waste lots of time and money, compared to gaining four years of work experience. In most fields with four years of experience you'll be hired faster, earn more, and advance faster than anyone with just a bachelors degree and no prior relevant work experience.
So how do you get it? Lots of ways.
Computer programming, game and app development, security, help desk, system administration, technical documentation, and professional services:
Take free online courses in any of the technology areas you're curious about. Then start contributing to Open-Source Software (OSS) projects, or online games and mobile apps. You'll learn a ton, and can send links to your contributions to prospective employers, who can easily see that you have relevant experience.
Don't be intimidated by computer jobs! Jobs like Technical Documentation, Help Desk, and Technical Support are not that hard to learn, and pay $60-100k. You often get stock options that add much more to that. After you've learned that employer's software in your first position you can move up to jobs in the $100-200k range.
Bookkeeping isn't hard to start learning, and there's huge demand for it. You can start with free versions of popular software, take free tutorials, and then find part-time work, or find part-time assignments from remote-work platforms like Upwork. If you find you like it, you can later decide to go to school part time for Accounting or Tax Preparation, and they're good paying careers.
I also agree with Umesh’s answer. There are many Healthcare Certificates you can earn in one to two years, and they'll get you started in a great field, also paying $50k and up. You usually get great health insurance benefits, and many employers will pay education benefits so you can learn new things and level up if you're interested.
Good luck!
Updated
David’s Answer
Many employers require evidence that you're knowledgable or skilled in the area they're hiring for, and a college qualification (degree, cert, etc.) is a very straightforward way to provide that. My personal experience in the IT field is that there are opportunities to make a great career without college qualifications, or for people who have a degree in a completely different field. But it's harder to demonstrate that you're skilled enough, especially for your first job. You need to be creative, and possibly search harder for suitable opportunities. I have preferred the companies I've worked for where they were open to candidates who were capable but not degree-holders. And some of the best people I've worked with didn't go to college. After a few years, it's often your experience that matters, not your qualifications.
That's true in IT, and I'm sure in many other industries. But many professions require you to be accredited by or be a member of a professional organisation or body (e.g. accounting, legal, etc), and those organisations sometimes require a degree as a basic prerequisite. Next thing for you would be to identify what you want to pursue, and then find out if you absolutely need a qualification.
That's true in IT, and I'm sure in many other industries. But many professions require you to be accredited by or be a member of a professional organisation or body (e.g. accounting, legal, etc), and those organisations sometimes require a degree as a basic prerequisite. Next thing for you would be to identify what you want to pursue, and then find out if you absolutely need a qualification.
Updated
Umesh’s Answer
Hi Kendra,
I would encourage you to go to college.
However, if that is not possible, I would recommend that you consider a career in the medical field.
I think you should be able to go to a community college and get training to become a Xray technican or some other technician carrer in medicine.
Don't let the word college scare you, this is not an university.
Good luck!
Umesh
I would encourage you to go to college.
However, if that is not possible, I would recommend that you consider a career in the medical field.
I think you should be able to go to a community college and get training to become a Xray technican or some other technician carrer in medicine.
Don't let the word college scare you, this is not an university.
Good luck!
Umesh
Updated
Kennysha’s Answer
Hi Kendra,
With hard work and determination you can work your way up in most entry level positions. Once you have decided what that looks like for you, I recommend speaking to others in that field of expertise. This will allow you the opportunity to see if the path you have chosen is the one that you want to walk in. Also, with that choice you will need to know if that position requires you to have a certain level of education. I definitely recommend networking in this case.
With hard work and determination you can work your way up in most entry level positions. Once you have decided what that looks like for you, I recommend speaking to others in that field of expertise. This will allow you the opportunity to see if the path you have chosen is the one that you want to walk in. Also, with that choice you will need to know if that position requires you to have a certain level of education. I definitely recommend networking in this case.
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Allot of companies have upward mobility from non-college positions. For one, you could work at a grocery store and look into becoming a manager through networking and maybe some certifications as well as hard work. Additionally, you can learn technical skills as a network field worker and leverage your experiences there to being a mew perspective to people who work in corporate positions for the network company. You can also look into starting your own business as something your passionate about, become a real estate photographer and eventually maybe real estate agent. The opportunities are harder to find but you can definitely work hard and get there!
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Glenn’s Answer
Sales is one of those jobs that don't absolutely require a college degree. I would still point you to going to college but if it is not for you Sales can provide you with a great income. I have led sales teams for many years and you will know quickly if a sales profession is for you. A good salesperson can make a lot of money but it is a hard job and can take up many hours in your day. There is no clock, it is a full-time all hours job but it can be very rewarding. Good luck with your job hunting.
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Merna’s Answer
Hi Kendra,
So while you may not need a bachelor’s degree you do need an education. Some of these jobs like "Real estate agent and Executive assistant" require an associate degree, some trade school, and others specific certifications or apprenticeships.
"Real estate agent" : To really succeed as a real estate agent, you must enjoy sales and working with people. You can put in lots of hours and effort to grow your business, or you can work on a more flexible and part-time schedule.
"Executive assistant" : They’re the behind-the-scenes support to the most powerful men and women in any given organization. They manage the executive’s schedule, communicate on their behalf, and perform a wide variety of office tasks to keep the organization running.
The opportunities are harder to find but you can definitely work hard and get there!
So while you may not need a bachelor’s degree you do need an education. Some of these jobs like "Real estate agent and Executive assistant" require an associate degree, some trade school, and others specific certifications or apprenticeships.
"Real estate agent" : To really succeed as a real estate agent, you must enjoy sales and working with people. You can put in lots of hours and effort to grow your business, or you can work on a more flexible and part-time schedule.
"Executive assistant" : They’re the behind-the-scenes support to the most powerful men and women in any given organization. They manage the executive’s schedule, communicate on their behalf, and perform a wide variety of office tasks to keep the organization running.
The opportunities are harder to find but you can definitely work hard and get there!
Updated
Manda’s Answer
I agree with the suggestion to rephrase your question to ask what kind of career you can build without a college degree. There are tons of jobs, but you probably don't want to make minimum wage for life. I know people who are successful and well-paid automotive technicians, retail store managers, sales consultants, construction workers, and software developers who do not have a degree. They all started with lower paying positions and worked their way up within the industry. You'll want to think about what kind of work you want to do and what industries or causes appeal to you. If you're determined, hard-working, and resourceful, you could also be successful as an entrepreneur in various fields. You would not have the steady income and benefits of working for an employer, but there is also a lot of freedom when you own your own business. I can't tell you if that's the right fit for you, but there are many options available to you...have fun exploring them, and good luck in your college/career decision!
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Good afternoon,
There are many satisfactory jobs that don't require college degrees. Some examples include: bus driver, chef, fitness instructor, plumbing and or maintenance working, beauticians, exterminators and etc. It is possible to make a satisfactory amount of money and access employee benefits in many of these fields without a degree.
However, even though some of jobs do not require a college degree, they may require a specific certification in that field of work. For example, to be a beautician, you may be required to obtain a cosmetology license. This is something to keep in mind when considering the jobs that you will be applying for. Essentially, any job that you apply for may require certain achievements, even if that achievement is not a college degree.
There are many satisfactory jobs that don't require college degrees. Some examples include: bus driver, chef, fitness instructor, plumbing and or maintenance working, beauticians, exterminators and etc. It is possible to make a satisfactory amount of money and access employee benefits in many of these fields without a degree.
However, even though some of jobs do not require a college degree, they may require a specific certification in that field of work. For example, to be a beautician, you may be required to obtain a cosmetology license. This is something to keep in mind when considering the jobs that you will be applying for. Essentially, any job that you apply for may require certain achievements, even if that achievement is not a college degree.
Updated
Anthony (Tony)’s Answer
Some college degrees are worthy of your time, talents and treasure. Others aren't worth the cost of the paper they're printed on. I personally have a BS in Business Administration and an MS in Finance but I've been in the Information Technology field for almost 36 years so far.
What you start off at isn't necessarily going to be your final or even middle destination. I once worked for a boss who was in the IT field who had a MS in Zoology of all things. I also had a co-worker who had an actual BS in German Poetry. Both were great in the IT field. Essentially, you have to keep a mindset that learning is a lifelong endeavor that should only stop once you assume room temperature at the end of a long and productive life. ;) Gosh, I started off as a painter to get through college, then I was an airplane pilot, then a chemist, then an IT data center manager, an IT systems administrator, an IT network administrator, a purchasing manager, a state regulatory tariff manager, a cost accountant, an application developer/programmer, a database administrator, a project/program manager, an IT consultant/architect, a financial portfolio manager, a corporate compliance manager, etc. You get the idea, you aren't defined by what you start out as. You adjust, stay flexible, keep a smile on your face, keep positive, keep an "I can help you with that" attitude, you bring solutions to your business partners and bosses instead of problems, and you never ever give up.
Sure, the college route worked for me and I'm 60 now and only a few years from retirement, but the college route isn't for everyone. College is expensive and getting more so every day as colleges and universities become more and more bloated with administrators and overpaid professors. Also, there are lots of community colleges which offer 2 year Associates degrees which you can pay for out of pocket without loading up on debt. If you want to go on to get a Bachelors degree that's actually marketable in the workforce then you'll have a better idea what you're wired to do best given your personal skills, aptitudes and interests.
I think about that guy on the Discovery Channel, Mike Rowe (https://mikerowe.com/) and how he mentioned in his show "Dirty Jobs" how there are a lot of folks who go to work each day and get a deep feeling of satisfaction from getting their hands dirty so to speak. There are a lot of well paying jobs that you can find by going to a Trade School or getting an apprenticeship via a local union. These are areas like being an HVAC specialist, being a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, a bricklayer, a truck driver, etc...... All are good paying jobs and as long as you're willing to put in the time to get better and better at it, and to take pride in your work, the sky's the limit.
See above
What you start off at isn't necessarily going to be your final or even middle destination. I once worked for a boss who was in the IT field who had a MS in Zoology of all things. I also had a co-worker who had an actual BS in German Poetry. Both were great in the IT field. Essentially, you have to keep a mindset that learning is a lifelong endeavor that should only stop once you assume room temperature at the end of a long and productive life. ;) Gosh, I started off as a painter to get through college, then I was an airplane pilot, then a chemist, then an IT data center manager, an IT systems administrator, an IT network administrator, a purchasing manager, a state regulatory tariff manager, a cost accountant, an application developer/programmer, a database administrator, a project/program manager, an IT consultant/architect, a financial portfolio manager, a corporate compliance manager, etc. You get the idea, you aren't defined by what you start out as. You adjust, stay flexible, keep a smile on your face, keep positive, keep an "I can help you with that" attitude, you bring solutions to your business partners and bosses instead of problems, and you never ever give up.
Sure, the college route worked for me and I'm 60 now and only a few years from retirement, but the college route isn't for everyone. College is expensive and getting more so every day as colleges and universities become more and more bloated with administrators and overpaid professors. Also, there are lots of community colleges which offer 2 year Associates degrees which you can pay for out of pocket without loading up on debt. If you want to go on to get a Bachelors degree that's actually marketable in the workforce then you'll have a better idea what you're wired to do best given your personal skills, aptitudes and interests.
I think about that guy on the Discovery Channel, Mike Rowe (https://mikerowe.com/) and how he mentioned in his show "Dirty Jobs" how there are a lot of folks who go to work each day and get a deep feeling of satisfaction from getting their hands dirty so to speak. There are a lot of well paying jobs that you can find by going to a Trade School or getting an apprenticeship via a local union. These are areas like being an HVAC specialist, being a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, a bricklayer, a truck driver, etc...... All are good paying jobs and as long as you're willing to put in the time to get better and better at it, and to take pride in your work, the sky's the limit.
Anthony (Tony) recommends the following next steps:
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Emily’s Answer
Hi,
You can always open up your own business but you would need a mentor and advice from those who have already done so. You can also go to trade school which is quite different than college!
You can always open up your own business but you would need a mentor and advice from those who have already done so. You can also go to trade school which is quite different than college!
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Stephanie’s Answer
There are plenty of jobs out there that you can do without a degree. Something you don't think about right away is working for the bank... you could be a Banker or a Teller. Personally I went from being a Manager of Dunkin Donuts to a Personal Banker. All of that with a High School Diploma. My advice to you is if you're looking for a job with great hours and great benefits apply to Citizens bank.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6333
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Kendra,
Should you opt not to follow the college education route, there are still numerous rewarding career paths available. Here are some jobs that don't require a college degree and can lead to success:
Real Estate Agent: You can become a real estate agent by completing a pre-licensing course and passing a state exam. Real estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties, earning commissions from successful deals.
Sales Representative: Sales representatives work across various sectors, selling products or services. Some sales roles may require specific certifications or training, but many entry-level positions don't require a college degree.
Freelancer/Entrepreneur: Launching your own business or freelancing in areas like graphic design, writing, programming, or digital marketing can be a viable path without a college degree. Success in these fields often hinges on skills, experience, and networking.
Tradesperson: A career in skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or HVAC technician, can lead to a fulfilling career without a college degree. Trade schools and apprenticeship programs offer the necessary training for these professions.
Insurance Agent: Insurance agents sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses. While some agencies may prefer candidates with a college degree, you can enter the field with relevant licenses and on-the-job training.
Administrative Assistant: Administrative assistants support organizations by performing clerical tasks, scheduling appointments, and managing communications. Many administrative assistant roles don't require a college degree but do require relevant skills and experience.
Retail Store Manager: Retail store managers supervise daily operations at retail establishments, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maximizing sales. While some employers may prefer candidates with a business degree, experience and leadership skills can also qualify you for these roles.
Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor: If you're passionate about fitness, you can pursue a career as a personal trainer or fitness instructor without a college degree. Certification from accredited organizations and practical experience in fitness training are crucial for success in this field.
Remember, success in any career often hinges on dedication, hard work, continuous learning, networking, and gaining relevant experience.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers extensive data on various occupations, including job outlooks, educational requirements, median pay, and more. It's a trusted resource for understanding the job market and career options.
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop provides resources on career exploration, training programs, salary data, and job trends. It's a valuable tool for researching different career paths.
Entrepreneur: Entrepreneur magazine offers insights into entrepreneurship, startups, small business management, and career advice. It provides valuable information on self-employment opportunities and alternative career paths outside traditional education routes.
These sources were used to provide accurate and current information on successful job options without a college degree.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
Should you opt not to follow the college education route, there are still numerous rewarding career paths available. Here are some jobs that don't require a college degree and can lead to success:
Real Estate Agent: You can become a real estate agent by completing a pre-licensing course and passing a state exam. Real estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties, earning commissions from successful deals.
Sales Representative: Sales representatives work across various sectors, selling products or services. Some sales roles may require specific certifications or training, but many entry-level positions don't require a college degree.
Freelancer/Entrepreneur: Launching your own business or freelancing in areas like graphic design, writing, programming, or digital marketing can be a viable path without a college degree. Success in these fields often hinges on skills, experience, and networking.
Tradesperson: A career in skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or HVAC technician, can lead to a fulfilling career without a college degree. Trade schools and apprenticeship programs offer the necessary training for these professions.
Insurance Agent: Insurance agents sell insurance policies to individuals and businesses. While some agencies may prefer candidates with a college degree, you can enter the field with relevant licenses and on-the-job training.
Administrative Assistant: Administrative assistants support organizations by performing clerical tasks, scheduling appointments, and managing communications. Many administrative assistant roles don't require a college degree but do require relevant skills and experience.
Retail Store Manager: Retail store managers supervise daily operations at retail establishments, including managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maximizing sales. While some employers may prefer candidates with a business degree, experience and leadership skills can also qualify you for these roles.
Personal Trainer/Fitness Instructor: If you're passionate about fitness, you can pursue a career as a personal trainer or fitness instructor without a college degree. Certification from accredited organizations and practical experience in fitness training are crucial for success in this field.
Remember, success in any career often hinges on dedication, hard work, continuous learning, networking, and gaining relevant experience.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers extensive data on various occupations, including job outlooks, educational requirements, median pay, and more. It's a trusted resource for understanding the job market and career options.
CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop provides resources on career exploration, training programs, salary data, and job trends. It's a valuable tool for researching different career paths.
Entrepreneur: Entrepreneur magazine offers insights into entrepreneurship, startups, small business management, and career advice. It provides valuable information on self-employment opportunities and alternative career paths outside traditional education routes.
These sources were used to provide accurate and current information on successful job options without a college degree.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine.
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Naomi’s Answer
I would start by trying to determine what your interests are and trying to see if you can make a career there. From there you can determine if a college degree, certification, etc might be needed to move forward in your career. Many careers don't require a college degree but might require a certification...I've seen this in the technology field.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Lore’s Answer
Kendra,
There are scores of jobs you can get if you don't go to college -- and many of them are lower paid.
Workers with bachelors' degrees earn $32,000 more each year than workers with high-school diplomas, this informative web page says:
https://www.aplu.org/projects-and-initiatives/college-costs-tuition-and-financial-aid/publicuvalues/employment-earnings.html
Talk with an academic advisor/guidance counselor at your high school about how college can help you find a career and prepare for it -- and also cultivate your mind and feed your imagination. Knowledge is power. Don't ever forget that.
I don't have any affiliation with any college or any advocacy group for institutions of higher learning. I speak as a woman who has been a member of the American workforce for four decades.
By the time you've finished college, you may realize you want to go into skilled trades work like construction -- that's a great avenue for women. In that case, yes, of course you will need specialized training. And the study habits you cultivated in college will really come in handy.
Moreover, imagine how much easier it would be, in future years, to wind up owning your own construction company if you'd studied business and finance in college.
There are scores of jobs you can get if you don't go to college -- and many of them are lower paid.
Workers with bachelors' degrees earn $32,000 more each year than workers with high-school diplomas, this informative web page says:
https://www.aplu.org/projects-and-initiatives/college-costs-tuition-and-financial-aid/publicuvalues/employment-earnings.html
Talk with an academic advisor/guidance counselor at your high school about how college can help you find a career and prepare for it -- and also cultivate your mind and feed your imagination. Knowledge is power. Don't ever forget that.
I don't have any affiliation with any college or any advocacy group for institutions of higher learning. I speak as a woman who has been a member of the American workforce for four decades.
By the time you've finished college, you may realize you want to go into skilled trades work like construction -- that's a great avenue for women. In that case, yes, of course you will need specialized training. And the study habits you cultivated in college will really come in handy.
Moreover, imagine how much easier it would be, in future years, to wind up owning your own construction company if you'd studied business and finance in college.
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Eleanor’s Answer
Hey Kendra!
There's been a lot of great advice here already, but I want to chime in with something I haven't seen in this thread so far.
IT'S NOT AN ALL-OR-NOTHING ANSWER.
You can start working and do college part time (or full time if you're really ambitious). You can start working and have your employer PAY FOR your college tuition. You can work for a few years and then decide to go to college full time. You can join the military, earn the Post 9/11 GI bill and do college once you end your term of service (while still collecting BAH during school enrollment).
What I would not do if I were you would be to go to college if you don't know what you want to do in college. If you have no end in mind, you can rack up a ton of debt with little/nothing to show for it.
What I would absolutely check out would be employers who offer tuition reimbursement. In this instance you're working and going to school at the same time. I would recommend online schools so you have the schedule flexibility. Yes, it will take you longer to finish your degree. Maybe it takes you 6-8 years instead of 4, but you know what you have at the end of that 6-8 years with that fresh degree? 6-8 years of work experience and ZERO debt. Also if you're working for the same company for 6-8 years while going to school, you've likely worked your way up at least one promotion.
There is more than one way to do this. Best of luck!
There's been a lot of great advice here already, but I want to chime in with something I haven't seen in this thread so far.
IT'S NOT AN ALL-OR-NOTHING ANSWER.
You can start working and do college part time (or full time if you're really ambitious). You can start working and have your employer PAY FOR your college tuition. You can work for a few years and then decide to go to college full time. You can join the military, earn the Post 9/11 GI bill and do college once you end your term of service (while still collecting BAH during school enrollment).
What I would not do if I were you would be to go to college if you don't know what you want to do in college. If you have no end in mind, you can rack up a ton of debt with little/nothing to show for it.
What I would absolutely check out would be employers who offer tuition reimbursement. In this instance you're working and going to school at the same time. I would recommend online schools so you have the schedule flexibility. Yes, it will take you longer to finish your degree. Maybe it takes you 6-8 years instead of 4, but you know what you have at the end of that 6-8 years with that fresh degree? 6-8 years of work experience and ZERO debt. Also if you're working for the same company for 6-8 years while going to school, you've likely worked your way up at least one promotion.
There is more than one way to do this. Best of luck!
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Hi Kendra,
If college is not for you there are still plenty of jobs you can get that you can be incredibly successful in. In my experience with college, the most important skill I gained was motivation to explore new things and go for them.
While a lot of careers require some sort of formal education, jobs in software engineering do not. And they are highly rewarding. If this is something that interests you even a little bit I do suggest looking into it. There are many paths in software engineering you can take. If you love coding or if you don't. You can be part of a design team, the coding teams, you can test apps that the coding team works on.
With that being said there are many ways to get started too. And just so you know, more than half of everyone I worked with never went to college. They either self studied, or went through a software engineering or design bootcamp.
The jobs tend to be well paid, with great benefits and it can even be a stepping stone to something else you discover you love doing.
If college is not for you there are still plenty of jobs you can get that you can be incredibly successful in. In my experience with college, the most important skill I gained was motivation to explore new things and go for them.
While a lot of careers require some sort of formal education, jobs in software engineering do not. And they are highly rewarding. If this is something that interests you even a little bit I do suggest looking into it. There are many paths in software engineering you can take. If you love coding or if you don't. You can be part of a design team, the coding teams, you can test apps that the coding team works on.
With that being said there are many ways to get started too. And just so you know, more than half of everyone I worked with never went to college. They either self studied, or went through a software engineering or design bootcamp.
The jobs tend to be well paid, with great benefits and it can even be a stepping stone to something else you discover you love doing.
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