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How can a college grad become successful if they opt to not attend a university?

I'm a college grad since 2016, for personal reasons I choose to not go the traditional route of attending a university. However I do alot of self learning by applying to courses of interest on MITX Online, HP Life, Alx, I'd even take on Free educational resource I could find on YouTube and so on. I'd like to ask if there's anyone here that's being on the same path that I am, how's it like? Can anyone truly become successful like this? And if you've been successful down this path. What has kept you going? What advice can you please share with me?

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Edie’s Answer

I have been highly successful despite not having the degrees many of my contemporaries have. However, it is not without a few pain points.
1. In some industries and companies, a degree is a definitive requirement. So not having a degree can become a glass ceiling.
2. Real or perceived, I often feel like I have to "prove myself" frequently. So it seems sometimes I work harder than my peers. I'm always feeling that pressure to be not only good enough but "better than."

That having been said, if you are highly skilled, confident and willing to demonstrate your capabilities, you can achieve a lot!
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Chandler’s Answer

Many small and medium sized companies will hire based on certifications, micro-learning, or experience. The key is to create relationships through organizations or events. Active involvement in professional organizations like IEEE, AMA, AFP, etc. will connect you with people who have non-traditional backgrounds. Leverage your existing network through tools like LinkedIn for opportunities where a degree is not a basic qualification for the job.

Chandler recommends the following next steps:

Look for a active professional organization in your skill area.
Go to some events and purposely meet people and act for their contact information. (Do no hand out your resume)
Get involved and keep in contact to build your network.
Follow up immediately when your network mentions an opportunity like a new startup, contract award, or new office opening.
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Joseph’s Answer

Here is the information I found through a web search based on your question:

Take charge of your education with programs like MITx, ALX, and HP LIFE. In Nigeria's current economy, these certifications are very valuable.

Focus on the tech scene: Lagos is the tech center of Africa. Check out startups in areas like Yaba or Victoria Island. They often value skills from programs like ALX more than traditional degrees.

Build a Portfolio: Without a traditional degree, your work samples are crucial. Showcase projects from your MITx or ALX courses.

Consider the NYSC: Without attending a traditional university, you might not have an NYSC certificate, which could limit opportunities in government or traditional banks. Instead, look for international remote work or private tech companies that often overlook this requirement for skilled workers.
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Irelis’s Answer

A lot of people do nontraditional pathway when it comes to higher education, that’s okay because sometimes people have different priorities when it comes to life such as if they are single parent or teen mom, they have to take care of their babies or children they might have, or they might have disability like mental or physical that needs accommodation but often college or university don’t offer them due to professor not following them or etc.

For me, I do Alison online or other online course platform I might use for my writing business career and other extracurricular activities or addition activities as well, plus it was way easier for me to get through and make my own curriculum from scratch, which is called self directed learning or self education since traditional college didn’t work out for me due to various reasons.

Many people who do self directed learning or self education on higher education can be successful if they plan ahead or work towards making sure their objectives aligns with the courses and programs they might join in, you can do research on what programs you might use and it is okay to add more or take less if needed, it is all about your education and it is self paced so you can choose to do faster pace or slow pace depending on your study habits.

So good luck on your academic journey and remember don’t let anyone tell you otherwise that self directed learning or self education isn’t real education, because it is a real education when it comes to learning on your own and using your outside resources you need in order to become successful.
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Gaurav’s Answer

Great responses by others 👏🏽

Skills are the new degrees.

In my belief developing soft skills as well as keeping a growth mindset. Which means developing skills like a musical instrument, a new language, a new hobby. A healthy mix along with technical skills.

Highly recommend adopting an entrepreneurial mind and learn doing business.

Wishing you success.
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Leslie’s Answer

Hi Ibrahim! Your question is fantastic and shows you understand that there are many paths to success. Well done!

Certifications from top companies are really valuable. When I worked in IT, almost every engineer had various Cisco certifications, often funded by their employer. Check out options like Coursera and Google certifications. Some might have a cost, but Coursera offers many free courses too.

Remember, some people have become CEOs with just a GED.

Always keep learning in any way you can. Keep your mind active and growing!
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