8 answers
Sarah
Student
Columbia, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
881 views
What is your career advice for a 23 y/o with no degree but has work experience ?
What would be your career advice for someone who dropped out of nursing school, went into sales for 3-4 years and now an adjuster for a Fortune 500 company. I don’t like my job and I’m ready to try something different. I don’t want to take in bound calls or have very minimal calls. I’m thinking of getting a degree in accounting or CS. I’m not sure which direction to go from here and would love to hear what adjacent degrees or jobs would fit
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8 answers
Karen Moody
Customer Service
1
Answer
Columbia, Tennessee
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Begin your job search by leveraging your personal connections, including family and friends. Many companies now prioritize hiring candidates referred by their current employees. Therefore, when applying for jobs, make sure to update your resume to reflect the language used in the specific job description. This is crucial in today's tech-driven world where algorithms often scan resumes for relevant keywords before they reach a human resources representative.
You can find numerous free resume templates on Google, but always have someone else review your resume to catch any typos or misspellings. LinkedIn is another valuable resource for job seekers, as many companies use it to find potential employees who match their requirements.
You can find numerous free resume templates on Google, but always have someone else review your resume to catch any typos or misspellings. LinkedIn is another valuable resource for job seekers, as many companies use it to find potential employees who match their requirements.
Mayra Benitez Maggio
marketing specialist
5
Answers
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Updated
Mayra’s Answer
Hi Sarah! Maybe my experience can help you a bit. I'm 24 years old and this year I started studying marketing, even though I already work in that field. I strongly believe that experience is an excellent and crucial asset for future job opportunities.
Degrees in accounting or computer science sound very promising, and I think they could be perfect for you. Also, consider the possibility of studying programming, or given your excellent track record in sales, you could excel in marketing.
On the Google Grow website (https://grow.google/intl/es/courses-and-tools/), you'll find free courses with certification in different areas, which might interest you to check out! The best part is that you can do them at your own pace.
I'd also recommend creating a LinkedIn account and taking advantage of the free month to do courses in all the areas that interest you. This will give you a good foundation to decide which path to take.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you're doing great!
Sending you a big hug!
May
Degrees in accounting or computer science sound very promising, and I think they could be perfect for you. Also, consider the possibility of studying programming, or given your excellent track record in sales, you could excel in marketing.
On the Google Grow website (https://grow.google/intl/es/courses-and-tools/), you'll find free courses with certification in different areas, which might interest you to check out! The best part is that you can do them at your own pace.
I'd also recommend creating a LinkedIn account and taking advantage of the free month to do courses in all the areas that interest you. This will give you a good foundation to decide which path to take.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you're doing great!
Sending you a big hug!
May
Melissa Fogleman
Recruiter
1
Answer
Charlottesville, Virginia
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Seeking roles through a temporary employment agency offers many benefits that can help you build your career. A temporary agency can give you the opportunity to gain different experiences/knowledge and exposure to different industries and companies, while allowing you to get a foot in the door. I know of many success stories of people who worked as a 'temp' to then become hired as a full-time employee and move up the ranks.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
476
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Considering the four years you've worked and your age, it seems like you might have completed two years of nursing school. If you're no longer interested in nursing, you could consider becoming a Physician's Assistant as an alternative.
With your sales experience, you might also want to look into pharmaceutical sales. To enhance your prospects in this field, you might consider completing an undergraduate degree in Business Administration.
As an adjuster, another option could be to leverage your Bachelor's degree and become an insurance agent. This role would allow you to utilize your sales skills, college education, and experience as an adjuster.
If none of these options appeal to you and you're good at math and analytical thinking, you could pursue a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at a state school. Although challenging, this path could lead to a high-paying job with stock options and a signing bonus upon graduation.
Most companies will require you to take a test to assess your knowledge and expertise. If you pass, you'll be well on your way to a successful career. The software industry is always in demand and top performers do exceptionally well. I can attest to this, having spent 40 years in the industry and living the American dream.
With your sales experience, you might also want to look into pharmaceutical sales. To enhance your prospects in this field, you might consider completing an undergraduate degree in Business Administration.
As an adjuster, another option could be to leverage your Bachelor's degree and become an insurance agent. This role would allow you to utilize your sales skills, college education, and experience as an adjuster.
If none of these options appeal to you and you're good at math and analytical thinking, you could pursue a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at a state school. Although challenging, this path could lead to a high-paying job with stock options and a signing bonus upon graduation.
Most companies will require you to take a test to assess your knowledge and expertise. If you pass, you'll be well on your way to a successful career. The software industry is always in demand and top performers do exceptionally well. I can attest to this, having spent 40 years in the industry and living the American dream.
Joe Reddock
Sales
3
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hi Sarah! Given your background in sales, you might want to consider stepping into the role of an Account Executive or Account Manager. Your past sales experience could be a great asset in these roles, or even as a Sales/Business Development Representative, which could be an exciting starting point on this career path. This field can be both rewarding and enjoyable, with many companies not requiring a college degree.
As an Account Executive, you'll have the chance to venture out and prospect new clients, conduct meetings, and seal deals. This role is less about handling inbound queries and more about running meetings. On the other hand, as an Account Manager, you'll mostly work with existing clients, with responsibilities similar to those of an Account Executive.
Also, you might want to think about the role of a Customer Success Manager. While the pay might be slightly lower than that of an Account Executive or Account Manager, it comes with less pressure. In this role, you'll work closely with existing clients, helping them get the most out of the product or solution.
I hope you find this information helpful!
As an Account Executive, you'll have the chance to venture out and prospect new clients, conduct meetings, and seal deals. This role is less about handling inbound queries and more about running meetings. On the other hand, as an Account Manager, you'll mostly work with existing clients, with responsibilities similar to those of an Account Executive.
Also, you might want to think about the role of a Customer Success Manager. While the pay might be slightly lower than that of an Account Executive or Account Manager, it comes with less pressure. In this role, you'll work closely with existing clients, helping them get the most out of the product or solution.
I hope you find this information helpful!
Nick D
New York, USA
67
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Check in with your state colleges to see if they offer degrees that accept credit for work experience. An advisor can help identify some of your accomplishments as worthy of college credits. This can help shorten your path to an associates degree and maybe followed by a baccalaureate or other accreditation. This type of college usually offers night and weekend course that are designed to support working people's schedules. You will find out that you're not alone with this challenge.
Even though you have a good job, you will eventually be limited in advancement, not because you don't know the job but because other qualified candidates may have degrees which put them ahead of you in a fair system.
The sooner you start, the better. You will get used to the workload and glad and proud when it's done.
It's likely your company will pay for it.
This is my actual experience.
Best Wishes, Nick
Even though you have a good job, you will eventually be limited in advancement, not because you don't know the job but because other qualified candidates may have degrees which put them ahead of you in a fair system.
The sooner you start, the better. You will get used to the workload and glad and proud when it's done.
It's likely your company will pay for it.
This is my actual experience.
Best Wishes, Nick
Sean Clausen
Account Executive
2
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hello Sarah,
I'd suggest taking a moment to think about your favorite subject in school. Maybe it's math? Do you find joy in playing around with numbers and solving puzzles? I've always been intrigued by technology and understanding how things function. Whether it's college or a career, you're more likely to stay committed if the core subject truly captivates you. So, go ahead and discover what you love, and seek out a path that brings you satisfaction and fulfillment.
I'd suggest taking a moment to think about your favorite subject in school. Maybe it's math? Do you find joy in playing around with numbers and solving puzzles? I've always been intrigued by technology and understanding how things function. Whether it's college or a career, you're more likely to stay committed if the core subject truly captivates you. So, go ahead and discover what you love, and seek out a path that brings you satisfaction and fulfillment.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sarah !
I would like to share some advice for you while you are thinking about making a change in career.
However long you've spent in college is valuable and you should always indicate on applications and your resume that you have "some college" and on the resume indicate that it was nursing courses. Without knowing too much about the exact type of work you are in now, I will give you some things to think about that can hopefully help you with some ideas and goals. If you feel like getting a degree in accounting, by all means do so. Look into it and see what you think. But you are clear in expressing that you are no longer interested in the corporate environment.
What stands out to me in your inquiry is that you have had your fill with high or mid corporate and may want a change of atmosphere and job responsibilities. Accounting would be quite versatile for you because you can work in a non-corporate, non-profit agency and it will seem much different than where you are working now. Keeping in mind that there are downsides and upsides to every job, the non-profit sector could be a refreshing change for you. That is why I'd like to suggest going into Grant Writing with your degree in accounting. If you return to college as it seems that you are thinking about doing so, and there are no Grant Writing courses offered, you can take courses on line. I have left two links for you below for free grant writing online courses. As a grant writer you will be important for agencies to receive funding for their programs.
You can also consider becoming a Quality Assurance and Compliance Officer of a non-profit. I have left a link below for information about this position. It is usually a top administrative level position in non-profits. There are so many jobs in which an accounting degree can open doors for a more satisfying position than you've expressed that you have now. I advise looking into colleges now, but also remember that your age is not an issue. I went to college during the peak of the women's rights movement. There were so many women returning students of every age. I remember students anywhere from 30 - 50 in my classes and it was also shortly after the Vietnam era so many older men were there on the GI Bill. It's absolutely never too late to return to college and you're still young !
So think about what exactly it is that's a deal breaker with the position you have now in corporate and consider finishing up your degree, but this time in accounting which you are interested in, and don't quit your current job until you secure a new one. Read the employment notices for accounting positions on employment websites and get some idea of what the requirements are.
Thanks for reaching out. I think you are going to do well and I wish you all the best moving forward !
FREE GRANT WRITING COURSES ONLINE https://www.nonprofitready.org/grant-writing-classes ANOTHER FREE COURSE ONLINE https://www.learngrantwriting.org/free-grant-writing-course/
ABOUT BEING A QUALITY ASSURANCE/COMPLIANCE OFFICER FOR A NON-PROFIT https://climbtheladder.com/quality-assurance-officer/
I would like to share some advice for you while you are thinking about making a change in career.
However long you've spent in college is valuable and you should always indicate on applications and your resume that you have "some college" and on the resume indicate that it was nursing courses. Without knowing too much about the exact type of work you are in now, I will give you some things to think about that can hopefully help you with some ideas and goals. If you feel like getting a degree in accounting, by all means do so. Look into it and see what you think. But you are clear in expressing that you are no longer interested in the corporate environment.
What stands out to me in your inquiry is that you have had your fill with high or mid corporate and may want a change of atmosphere and job responsibilities. Accounting would be quite versatile for you because you can work in a non-corporate, non-profit agency and it will seem much different than where you are working now. Keeping in mind that there are downsides and upsides to every job, the non-profit sector could be a refreshing change for you. That is why I'd like to suggest going into Grant Writing with your degree in accounting. If you return to college as it seems that you are thinking about doing so, and there are no Grant Writing courses offered, you can take courses on line. I have left two links for you below for free grant writing online courses. As a grant writer you will be important for agencies to receive funding for their programs.
You can also consider becoming a Quality Assurance and Compliance Officer of a non-profit. I have left a link below for information about this position. It is usually a top administrative level position in non-profits. There are so many jobs in which an accounting degree can open doors for a more satisfying position than you've expressed that you have now. I advise looking into colleges now, but also remember that your age is not an issue. I went to college during the peak of the women's rights movement. There were so many women returning students of every age. I remember students anywhere from 30 - 50 in my classes and it was also shortly after the Vietnam era so many older men were there on the GI Bill. It's absolutely never too late to return to college and you're still young !
So think about what exactly it is that's a deal breaker with the position you have now in corporate and consider finishing up your degree, but this time in accounting which you are interested in, and don't quit your current job until you secure a new one. Read the employment notices for accounting positions on employment websites and get some idea of what the requirements are.
Thanks for reaching out. I think you are going to do well and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: