Going to college and getting a degree is great, but it isn’t the right path for everyone. Not everyone wants or needs a college degree to make it in life. There are plenty of ways out there to make it on your own without one. A college degree can help open doors for you in the future, but it’s not the only thing that can help you advance your career.
Whether you’ve just finished high school or are a long way away from school, and are looking to find your own path, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of tips and tricks that everyone needs to know if they want to advance their career without a college degree.
Get certifications
If getting a college degree is off the table, the next best thing you can do for your future career is to get certified! Having a certification can put you ahead of your peers because it shows that you have the right skills and knowledge for the job. Certificates come in many different shapes and sizes to fit whatever you’re looking for. From specialized and vocational training at a trade school to a training program at your local college.
Getting a certification is a great way to boost your chances of getting hired and furthering your career. It’s also a great way to learn valuable in-demand skills and depending on the field, these credentials may be just as valuable as a degree.
Take online courses
Similar to getting a certification, you can back up your expertise and expand your skillset through online courses. Online courses help you learn skills as and when you need them, without having to spend years at college. You can look into accessing grants for education if you are worried about the cost of these courses.
Many universities and individual trainers offer online courses to fit whatever skill you want to learn. Taking a few online learning courses can drastically improve your chances of finding your dream job without a college degree. From graphic design, to Excel spreadsheets, to coding, there are plenty of things to learn with online classes to further your career.
Get on-the-job training
Aside from courses, classes, and certificates, on-the-job training is another great way to advance your career. It can be hard to find a starting point if you’re not sure what field you want to work in. A great place to start is to find a flexible job that will help you learn valuable in-demand skills and sharpen your old ones.
Starting from the bottom may seem counterproductive, but it’s a great way for you to earn experience and valuable knowledge about your field. Once you land the job, the real work starts, and you have to actively pursue training and learning to make the most of the experience.
Look for internships and volunteer opportunities
If getting on-the-job training is out of the cards, the next best thing you can do is to apply for internships and volunteering gigs. Sometimes, workplaces are not willing to hire you upfront but will take you on as an intern or volunteer.
Adult internships and volunteering are a great way for you to gain valuable experience, with or without a college degree. They’re a great way to build your CV and break into the industry. Once you’ve found a place to intern or volunteer, make sure to make a good first impression and do the work. Be diligent and see if you can find a mentor to help you get the most out of the opportunity.
Network
Networking is an essential skill for anyone looking to make it in their field of choice. Whether you work in human resources or in an analytical chemistry lab, networking is important. Networking helps you connect with other successful and upcoming people in your field and can help push your career forward.
Through the people you know, you can learn about new job vacancies, opportunities, and resources. Learn how to network, build a circle of quality people, and start early to grow your contacts! When it comes to furthering your career, sometimes it’s more about who you know than what you know!
So there you have it! With these tips in mind, you’re ready to take on the working force and advance your career with, or without, a degree! To move forward in your field without going to college, you need to start getting some certificates. Learn new skills and certify your experience through online classes or verified courses to boost your chances.
Work your way up with on-the-job training to get valuable experience and skills. Apply for internships and volunteer work to get your foot in the door and learn the ropes. Last but not least, never underestimate the power of good networking to help advance your career without a degree! Keep these points in mind and don’t let not going to college keep you from your dream job!
