Tori
How far can we get into a career without college?
#college #college-selection #career-choice #college-advice
9 answers
Christopher Mondoux
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Tori-
There are many public stories of people without a college degree starting their own companies and becoming incredibly successful (Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg are common examples of people succeeding without degrees).
That said, it's important to note that these examples are exceptions, not the norm. In the vast majority of people's cases, it's incredibly important to get your degree. Here are a few key reasons:
- College exposes you to a variety of people, classes, and ideas
- College degrees show your future employer that you're capable of committing to finishing something that is difficult or challenging
- Degrees will give you the credentials to work in particular fields or diciplines
Most importantly, a college degree will add tremendously to your lifetime earning potential (see below)
Haley Nona
Haley’s Answer
Hi Tori,
There are so many careers out there that you can actually learn on the job or require a small amount of schooling/ testing. Look at this article I found:
My husband actually never went to college for his job (he is taking online class for business now that his job pays for). He worked his way up through the ranks of a power company and works in a supervisor roll now. He makes significantly more than I do with a five year degree and has been working at the company for six years now. You can go really far with the careers mentioned in the link above. If you are on the job long enough you could probably work your way up to a supervisor roll later on. It just depends on the field and career you are interested in. I would talk to your school counselor about any technical degree resources they offer.
Hope this helps!
Tyler Hobson
Tyler’s Answer
I think it really depends on the business. I know multiple businesses now are not relying on having a college degree and can continue to move up into management and higher management. I would suggest if your're not trying to go to college I would work on different certificates or learn a trade and that would help as well. I know a lot of people who are excelling in their field and never went to college. I would suggest through if your going to try to make it to senior management it would be a good idea to have a college degree of some kind.
Raphael Tillman
Raphael’s Answer
That is entirely up to you as an individual.
there are plenty of careers now that do not require degrees and pay very well. Google top ten jobs that do not require degrees
But I would suggest going to college as it may help you find what you may actually want to do.
Karin Runett
Karin’s Answer
If there are circumstances that prevent you from going to school right now, try and find employers who offer tuition assistance. This way you will have an opportunity when it's a better time for you.
Donna Curran
Donna’s Answer
With all the baby boomers, like myself, getting ready to retire, you may find there is a shortage of tradesmen. The career as an electrician, plumber or carpenter would be really rewarding if you enjoy working with your hands and they make a decent wage. You can start out during summers helping out around construction sites. Networking. Work hard and build a name for yourself.
Another option is a 2 year trade school. Surgery technician, pharmacy technician, x-ray tech....all can lead to a vey fulfilling career.
Good luck!
Conn Standfield
Conn’s Answer
I personally recommend getting a four year degree to those I mentor for the simple fact that you get a lot more from a college education than the value/benefit of the Major/Minor you opt to specialize in while in school. That depth of knowledge helps round out individuals and I believe gives them an experience set that helps them to be more versatile in the marketplace.
Ruth Byrne
Ruth’s Answer
