4 answers
Thaddeus
Student
Paterson, New Jersey
5
Questions
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What is the best way to manage my time in high school ? Without courses granted
I don't have the resources I want to pursue higher education. How can I go about gaining knowledge?
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4 answers
Nick Norman
Marketing, Communications & Engagement
2
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Bonnie gave a great answer! Adding to that... 👋
I recommend connecting with a mentor. No matter what level of education or experience you have, for most people, the ultimate goal is to land a job doing what they enjoy - making good money. That often boils down to who you know. Which is where a mentor can help.
A well-connected mentor can get you into doors that even a good education can't. However, a wise mentor won't just give those opportunities to you flippantly. You'll have to first gain the trust of your mentor. To do that, you'll need to be good at receiving feedback, taking initiative, being consistent, and following through with the things you say you'll do.
I should add, though having a good mentor can be hugely beneficial, finding one doesn't just happen over night. That takes time. You should be just as comfortable with your mentor as your mentor is comfortable with you.
I recommend connecting with a mentor. No matter what level of education or experience you have, for most people, the ultimate goal is to land a job doing what they enjoy - making good money. That often boils down to who you know. Which is where a mentor can help.
A well-connected mentor can get you into doors that even a good education can't. However, a wise mentor won't just give those opportunities to you flippantly. You'll have to first gain the trust of your mentor. To do that, you'll need to be good at receiving feedback, taking initiative, being consistent, and following through with the things you say you'll do.
I should add, though having a good mentor can be hugely beneficial, finding one doesn't just happen over night. That takes time. You should be just as comfortable with your mentor as your mentor is comfortable with you.
Alexis Camins
IT Manager at Los Angeles County - Professional Actor
35
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Excellent question! The fact that you realize you may not have the resources you need is the step in the right direction.
I agree with Bonnie; college isn’t a requirement for every career. But begin with the end in mind: what do you see yourself doing? How does a person typically get there? And then, how are YOU gonna get there?
Then, talk to your counselor at school and ask about all the options a graduate has. You’d be surprised at what they might say. It could be that there are options for college you haven’t looked into (scholarships, grants, financial aid). Or maybe community college could be an option. Or vocational training. Or someone local looking for an apprentice or intern. College isn’t the only path, but you have to ask around and let people know what you need.
If you have the time and desire, start establishing work experience by getting a part-time job. Anywhere where you can gain experience in the ‘real world’. It’ll help you find more permanent employment once you graduate.
You also asked about time management. For me, time management is about setting priorities, finding deadlines and working backwards from them. Let’s say you have a project due on the 15th and a paper due on the 20th. You prioritize the project first and since the deadline is the 15th. Maybe you give yourself a week to complete it. But during that time, you also work a little bit on the paper. That way, when you turn in the project on the 15th, you’ve already made headway on the paper.
Best of luck to you. You’re looking ahead already, which means you got a good head on your shoulders. You’ll succeed wherever you go!
I agree with Bonnie; college isn’t a requirement for every career. But begin with the end in mind: what do you see yourself doing? How does a person typically get there? And then, how are YOU gonna get there?
Then, talk to your counselor at school and ask about all the options a graduate has. You’d be surprised at what they might say. It could be that there are options for college you haven’t looked into (scholarships, grants, financial aid). Or maybe community college could be an option. Or vocational training. Or someone local looking for an apprentice or intern. College isn’t the only path, but you have to ask around and let people know what you need.
If you have the time and desire, start establishing work experience by getting a part-time job. Anywhere where you can gain experience in the ‘real world’. It’ll help you find more permanent employment once you graduate.
You also asked about time management. For me, time management is about setting priorities, finding deadlines and working backwards from them. Let’s say you have a project due on the 15th and a paper due on the 20th. You prioritize the project first and since the deadline is the 15th. Maybe you give yourself a week to complete it. But during that time, you also work a little bit on the paper. That way, when you turn in the project on the 15th, you’ve already made headway on the paper.
Best of luck to you. You’re looking ahead already, which means you got a good head on your shoulders. You’ll succeed wherever you go!
Bonnie McGuire, MBA
Instructional Designer & Video Production Expert | Global Lead, Dell's Pride ERG for LGBTQ+ employees
6
Answers
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
You don't necessarily need to go to college to learn the skills necessary to land a great job. Yes, some careers like a doctor or lawyer may be out of reach but more often than not you can land a role with the right skills and connections - even if you don't have a fancy degree.
Identify what your interests are - what do you see yourself doing for a career?
What skills would you need to land a role in that field? Are they skills you can learn independently through reading authors in the field, learning software programs on your own or by other means?
Build a map to get there and then identify who in your network can help connect some of those dots for you.
If you are missing key areas or support, build a plan to bridge those gaps.
Remember, networking is VITAL. Don't underestimate it's importance. Get out of your comfort zone and think outside of the box when it comes to building your network. In a lot of cases, (and whether we like it or not), it really is all about who you know.
Bonnie recommends the following next steps:
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
183
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Many of us encounter considerable challenges to attain education. I would like to salute you for the fortitude of exploring alternative path to knowledge.
Knowledge is a nebulous term. We need to define what it means for ourselves. That said, universities and similar institutions are not the only places where we can gain “knowledge.” Once we have defined what knowledge we would like to acquire, we should be able to map out a viable path to its attainment. One can be self-taught as we have witnessed in many historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Michael Faraday.
On the other hand, it is not necessary to seek higher education in expensive universities. Local community colleges are much more affordable in the sense that it is low cost and you do not have to relocate to a far-away place to attend. Also, you can be a part-time student if you are to be gainfully employed for a living.
Many valuable suggestions have been given already. I would like to urge you to explore the local-community-college option.
Knowledge is a nebulous term. We need to define what it means for ourselves. That said, universities and similar institutions are not the only places where we can gain “knowledge.” Once we have defined what knowledge we would like to acquire, we should be able to map out a viable path to its attainment. One can be self-taught as we have witnessed in many historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Michael Faraday.
On the other hand, it is not necessary to seek higher education in expensive universities. Local community colleges are much more affordable in the sense that it is low cost and you do not have to relocate to a far-away place to attend. Also, you can be a part-time student if you are to be gainfully employed for a living.
Many valuable suggestions have been given already. I would like to urge you to explore the local-community-college option.