When I graduated from high school, I just didn't feel right about going to college. I didn't want to deal with the strict instructors, annoying student body, and frustrating curriculum. However, since I wanted a career, I decided that it might be smart to see about going to a trade school instead. I figured that I would be able to learn the same information, without all of the hassle that typically surrounds traditional college. I can't even begin to describe how right I was. I went to trade school to learn the art of HVAC, and I have developed a successful career.
A four year college degree is not for everyone. The investment of both time and money in a traditional college education can make the process difficult, if not impossible, for many students. There are many career paths, however, that do not require a Bachelor's degree. In fact, many community colleges and area trade schools have programs that can prepare you for a career in a field that interests you for less time and money.
1. Wind Turbine Technician: As the world realizes that its dependence on fossil fuel needs to change, it is turning to green energy markets for solutions to everything from electricity to automotive fuels. Careers in wind energy, particularly that of a wind turbine technician, are on the rise but do not require a four year degree. Qualified graduates of training programs are expected to be in demand for the next decade and beyond as job demand is expected to be 108% higher than average.
2. Truck Driver: You can get training and a CDL license in just a few months both at private trade schools like Center For Transportation Safety or right on the job with an employer. Becoming a truck driver gives many people a steady, well-paying job in a short period of time. Opportunities range from both daily runs for a local company to cross country hauls as an independent driver.
3. Biomedical Technician: Anyone that is mechanically inclined and enjoys working with his or her hands will enjoy the life of a biomedical technician. BMETs maintain and repair medical equipment. Typically, most BMETs work in a hospital setting, but some work for a 3rd party vendor, traveling between several location each week. This type of BMET is called a field service technician and is great for those who like variety.
4. EMT: Most emergency medical technician jobs only require basic first aid training. It's a great entry level job for people who want to try their hand in the medical field without spending half their life in college. You can move on to nursing or, if you have a sense of adventure, take specialized courses later in search and rescue as well as flight paramedic.
5. Ruby on Rails Developer: Coding is a great career field, and Ruby on Rails -- a specific coding language -- is in high demand. Many companies hire people that know the language but don't have a college degree. They need developers on staff now. If you have a head for coding, find an 8-12 week course near you and start learning.
6. Real Estate Agent: If you like sales and talking to people, you can be a real estate agent in just a few weeks. Most agents take a quick night class before studying for their license. Once they pass, they find a brokerage to work with and jump in head first into the real estate market. You can specialize in commercial real estate, but most agents work in residential real estate. You can also join the National Association of Realtors and earn the copyrighted title of Realtor.
7. Surg Tech: A surgical technician is another great job in the medical field that doesn't take a decade to get into. The job of a surg tech is to clean, sterilize, organize, and maintain all surgical tools. They may work in a room sterilizing equipment in a large autoclave or they may work in the actual operating room, passing instruments to the surgeon. Either way, it is a fast paced and exciting job.
Landing a career you love instead of a job you hate does not have to take four years and a percentage of your paycheck for the next decade. There are options.
Share6 December 2016
