Careers That Don’t Require A Degree
Education is undoubtedly one of the major keys to success. There are different levels of education; beginning from pre-school and ending with postgraduate study. But where education is inhibited, hard work, perseverance, and ingenuity can facilitate success as well. You don’t necessarily need a university degree to start a career. Moreover, not all successful entrepreneurs and individuals own a degree. With the advent of career contingency, it is vital to develop a career that doesn’t require a degree. It will come in handy, especially if you are a casual worker or an employee on probation.
In an ever-changing world, a degree might not be enough to secure jobs and build careers. This is evident by the fact that degree holders still roam the streets unemployed. In addition, technical skills and expertise without a degree can still enable you to launch and build a successful career. Also, the growing rate of poverty means that some people lack the resources to obtain a degree; what do you do when faced with such a situation? Similarly, unforeseen circumstances like crisis, terrorism, floods, and earthquake might hamper an individual’s quest to obtain a degree. How do you adjust and build a career when you find yourself displaced and unable to use your degree to find a job?
There has been a breakthrough in skill acquisition globally. These skills when learned enable individuals to build and develop a career. Relatively, these careers make you stand out, earn a living and become successful. Most importantly, careers that don’t require degrees provide opportunities for career growth, progression, and advancement as well. Through mentorship, training, exhibition, and workshops, you can keep in touch with innovations and development. Nowadays, there are courses online and in-person that enhance your skill set and enable you to cope with challenges in such careers.
In addition, some of these careers that don’t require a degree might mandate you to complete an apprenticeship or vocational training, certificate programs, or on-the-job training. Relatively, these hard skill-based careers are particularly and predominantly found in healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and service sub-sectors respectively. Nowadays, organizations, manufacturing companies, hospitals, IT firms, and Non-governmental organizations tend to favor individuals with the right skills, rather than the right degree when hiring. Arguably, these careers offer good salaries that can be compared to careers that require a degree. Therefore, this article will give a brief description of some careers that don’t require a degree.
Examples of Careers That Don’t Require A Degree
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Also known as paramedics, Emergency medical technicians provide quick response and urgent care to medical emergency calls. They support ill and injured people before transporting them to care and medical facilities for further treatment.
To build a career as an EMT, an individual is mandated to complete a diploma or its equivalent. Also, a prospective Emergency medical technical must undergo compulsory EMT basic training and pass a State and National certificate exam. However, some agencies require employees to undergo advanced training to be qualified for the promotion and other career advancement incentives. Also, you need an EMT license to practice professionally.
Dispatcher: Dispatching is another career that doesn’t require a degree. Dispatchers are essential workers in the transport, commercial service, and medical emergency sectors respectively. Also, dispatchers ensure effective communication between mobile workers and customers. In addition, a dispatcher is responsible for assigning mobile workers to specific customers and vehicles and makes sure that messages or responses are relayed and dispatched effectively and on time.
To be a dispatcher, you need to complete your secondary education. Depending on the organization, you might be required to participate in compulsory on-the-job training to obtain a certificate.
Postal Service Clerk: The postal service is still an essential part of human life despite technological and digital breakthroughs. Although the information is easily disseminated through emails these days, some organizations, employers, and individuals prefer sending messages or information through the post office. A postal service clerk is responsible for receiving and sorting letters and packages; they also sell postages, place mail in racks, and provide technical assistance to customers.
Employers offer training on the job for employees. In addition, an individual must complete a high school diploma, as well as pass an accuracy and reading speed test to become a postal service clerk.
Massage therapist: Have you ever returned from work feeling too exhausted to do anything? Do you wake up in the morning needing a massage to get going? Don’t worry; some individuals have built careers as massage therapists without a University degree. A massage therapist works in tandem with clients to examine muscular issues and devise ongoing therapy plans. Additionally, they massage the client’s joints and soft tissues to enhance the circulation of the blood, soothe pain, lessen stress, and make them relax.
Professional massage therapists can enhance their skills and expertise through courses and videos online. Also, employers provide mandatory training and require certification in massage therapy from employees.
Plumbing: Plumbing involves the installation of pipes, toilets, sinks, and, other fixations for gases and liquids in buildings. Also, plumbers review blueprints and building specifications to ensure the proper placement of pipes and drainage systems. With building and construction a part of daily human life, the plumbing profession is arguably one of the most competitive careers that don’t require a degree.
To be a professional plumber, an individual must complete his or her secondary education and possess a plumbing license. In addition, plumbers are mandated to complete on-the-job training depending on the organization.
Flight attendant: Flight attendants are stationed on planes and are responsible for assisting clients and passengers. The responsibilities of flight attendants also include greeting passengers, assisting them to their seats, and serving food and beverages throughout the flight. A flight attendant also ensures that passengers comply with safety protocols and demonstrate the use of safety equipment during flights. They also provide instruction in the case of an emergency and administer first aid when needed. Similarly, flight attendants clean cabins and ensure that emergency equipment is functional and in good shape.
Flight attendants don’t need a four-year university degree; however, they are required to complete secondary education, have excellent customer service skills, and have effective communication skills. Also, most airlines provide training to flight attendants.
Firefighter: Accidents are inevitable at homes, workplaces, vehicles, offices, and markets; sadly, some of these accidents involve fire. Also, there have been reported cases of fire caused by extreme atmospheric conditions, ravaging bushes, and endangering lives and properties. Relatively, faults in electrical installations may lead to fire-related accidents. Thankfully, there are professionals and individuals with the skill and technical ability to fight fire-related accidents. Firefighters respond to fires, car accidents, floods, chemical spills, and other emergencies at a moment’s notice to rescue humans and animals and protect the general public. When they are not on a call or duty, firefighters work to keep the station and equipment cleaned, maintained, and ready for use.
To be a professional firefighter, you must have completed secondary education, be 18 years and above, pass a physical and written test, and complete training in the fire academy. Depending on the agency, you may need to earn and present an Emergency medical technician license as well.
Hairstylist: Hairstylists and barbers cut and color hair, perform scalp treatments, provide shave services, and style real and synthetic hair. They also educate clients about hair care and offer advice on styling habits and products. Hairstyling has become lucrative and competitive over time; hairstylists can offer home services as well.
To build a hairstyling career, you must complete a cosmetology training program and might be required to obtain a license depending on your location. For career growth and advancement, you may need additional industry courses and certifications. Most employers provide regular training to update employees on new trends.
Tool and die maker: A tool and die maker is a type of machinist that sets up and operates various mechanically and machine-controlled tools, used to produce tools needed for the manufacturing process. Tool and die making is among the highest paying careers in the manufacturing industry.
Tool and die makers can learn through apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, technical colleges, or on-the-job training. If the job involves computer-controlled machinery, a tool and dies maker might need more information technology coursework and experience.
Railroad conductor: A railroad conductor communicates with engineers, traffic control personnel, and any other crew members. Also, they keep and maintain schedules and shipping records and check trains for proper weight distribution.
The profession mandates you to complete your secondary education; you must have undergone training, apprenticeship, or internship as well. Some employers may also require the completion of additional industry certification.
Pharmacy technician: A pharmacy technician assists pharmacists with dispensing medications to customers and health professionals. Most pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and drug stores; others work at hospitals or in private practice. Because most of them learn through on-the-job training, a university or college degree is generally not required. Many vocational and technical schools offer programs in pharmacy technology, some of which award students with a certificate after a year or less.
