Many young adults start off in their careers without some or all of the education needed for their dream jobs. That doesn’t mean that the jobs are out of reach, employers are often open to those who are passionate about their work and speak highly of their skills. This also means that these employees can still offer a great deal to an organization with or without the required degree.
No degree? No problem. Increasingly, businesses are looking for young adults who do have one thing: valuable experience in the real world. With internships and volunteering on your résumé, you’ve already got a leg up on the competition. Here’s how to work that experience into a job you’ll love.
If you’re in your twenties and considering a career, or even just contemplating what you’d like to do with the rest of your life, new information has come to light indicating that you don’t have to have a college degree to make a very good living.
Careers for young adults without a degree
Affordable vocations with low entry costs can be an attractive option for those who don’t have the financial resources or time to complete a four-year program. These options are also perfect for people looking for employment after high school and for those who want to start out in their field without the costs associated with higher education.
If you’re one of the millions of high schoolers or college drop-outs who aren’t sure what to do with your life, or if you’re a working parent trying to balance a career and family responsibilities, or if you simply have issues with authority or want more say in how your life unfolds, then this post is for you.
Recent studies have shown that there are great benefits to be had by following a career path without further study in the form of A-Levels, GCSEs, or degrees: For example, a survey by the Office for National Statistics found that people who complete only their GCSEs earn on average £10,000 more than those who have pursued education beyond this level.
The article clarifies that whether you need a degree to apply is answerable by looking at the requirements of the opening and talking to the employer. There are other options available for people who don’t have a degree. It all depends on what you want to do as a career.
One of the fastest growing job fields over the next decade, is going to be in IT. You can get hired for this position without a four year degree, but there are many disadvantages to the job field if you do not have experience or certification. Many of the jobs that do not require a degree, will require experience and certifications before you can practice your trade. Having a degree allows you to gain knowledge while still be able to work in another job field besides IT.
The most important thing is that you want to do something you’ll be able to stick with for a few years and enjoy. Don’t look to get rich off your first job, your internship, or whatever opportunity presents itself; look for somewhere you believe you can grow and make a positive contribution. If it turns out the job isn’t for you, or if you can’t find something worthwhile, then assuming it’s early in your career you’ll have plenty of time to seek out something else. It takes a long time to build up something you’re proud of, so don’t rush things.
In this article I have discussed the value of professional certification, which is not only a great way to get started on your career path, but also something that can make a real difference in how much you are paid and how likely you are to land a great job. As such, it’s definitely worth investing some time and money into getting the right certification for the type of career you want.
The only way to learn a particular trade is with years of schooling and apprenticeships. You can learn a lot by yourself and through books, but the theoretical side comes in school. On top of that, the practical applications can be hard to come across without some help. So you do need a degree to get started on a career track.
Think about two words- creative and practical… If you are not a very technical person, then a job in the creative industry will suit you best. The industry is growing and opening new positions for people who want to work hard and make their dreams come true. And you don