What's Your Alternative Career Path If You Don't Want to Go To College?
I went to college because there was no way I was staying in my high school town AND that's what my high school sweetheart was doing. I got a Bachelor of Science in Education and followed it up with a Master of Education. Since then, I've worked at 9 different colleges in 7 different states. So, I made Higher Ed my career and never left the college campus.
Attending a four-year university has become incredibly expensive, often resulting in paralyzing student loan debt, stress and pressure to perform, and lack of direction in finding a major or degree. But high school graduates have more options now - and in reality, these options have existed all along, they just haven't been "viable" options. High school graduates choosing the military, trade school, or junior college have often been labeled lazy, unmotivated, or misdirected. In truth, though a 22-year-old can make a better living as a skilled worker (welding, auto technology, dental hygiene) with 18 months of apprenticeship training than a four-year college graduate.
I created this quiz to give high school graduates (and their parents) other options and better choices. Many come at a substantially lower cost of attendance than the average 4-year college as well as provide employment security and higher wages.
Keep in mind, the quiz provides ideas and options based on how you prefer to learn, be supervised, and develop skills. Your next steps require thought, reflection, and research - so make sure you download the workbook and reach out if you have any questions!
Community College is a great option if you haven't settled on a specific program of study or you want to save money before pursuing the four-year degree. Most community colleges are considerably less expensive than four-year schools, many have plentiful scholarship opportunities and you can still get decent financial aid. Plus, most faculty are more fond of teaching over research and publishing, so you get more quality instruction. PLUS - class sizes are smaller. And Community Colleges these days are key places of focus for Career and Technical Education programs so you can earn a certificate and go right into the workforce if you want.
I have three siblings who have served our country in the United States Army and I am so proud of them. Joining the military can provide job security, health care, skill building, and travel opportunities. You'll tap into career fields you may never have realized existed. But it can be a rigorous lifestyle with little flexibility and can even be dangerous. Of all the options in this quiz, joining the military is likely the most personal and will require intense research. This article from College Vine provides a great Pros and Cons list and you can find lots of specifics online these days.
Trade schools typically omit general education and liberal arts classes. Instead, they offer dedicated training in a specific, skilled vocation. Most trade school programs offer considerably shorter programs than traditional universities, which allows students to enter their career fields faster. Trade school graduates enjoy strong job security: Careers like plumbing and home inspecting typically survive weak economies and recessions. These tradespeople often perform essential services that the world needs at all times. Many skilled workers will earn higher salaries right out of their program than a college graduate with a bachelor's degree. And there are lots of choices:
- Automotive technology
- Diesel technology
- Collision repair
- CNC machining
- Marine technology
- Motorcycle mechanics
- HVACR
- Health care administration
- Information technology
- Dental hygiene
- Criminal justice
- Business
- Photography
- Cosmetology
- Culinary
- Massage therapy
There are still amazing opportunities for making money and studying careers that don't require you to pay for a school or training program. Taking a gap year while you poke around and experiment can be highly satisfying - and lucrative, too.
What options are there in the gap year? Check out this article from Best Colleges to get some fun ideas.
But don't forget about Temp Agencies. Companies like Manpower, Robert Half, Ultimate Staffing, and others can provide short-term, high-paying gigs where you can develop excellent new skills and experience an interesting variety of career fields.
An apprentice gets paid to learn a trade, working under the supervision of an experienced tradesperson to gain expertise in a particular vocation. Apprentices learn hands-on skills through on-the-job and classroom training. Unlike some internships, these programs pay wages that increase progressively as an apprentice gains skills and becomes more productive.
Forbes Magazine has a stellar guide on apprenticeships - you can check that out RIGHT HERE.