What If College Isn’t for Me?
Not everyone finds their path through traditional college education. Understanding this can open doors to numerous opportunities that align more closely with your personal interests, skills, and career aspirations — all at much lower costs than a four-year degree. Whether you need to end your current degree program or are a high school student exploring non-college options, here are some alternatives to college and tips for pursuing them if a traditional degree doesn't seem like the right fit.
Assess Your Interests and Skills
If you know you don’t want to complete a bachelor’s degree, but aren’t sure what kind of job training to pursue, take some time for the following:
- Self-reflection. Consider the kinds of work you enjoy doing and what your strongest skills and abilities are. This can guide you toward a career that is both fulfilling and realistic.
- Skill development. Focus on building skills in areas that interest you. You can do this through online courses, workshops, or self-directed learning. If your high school offers any elective courses in your area of interest, take them and ask your teacher for further guidance.
- Hands-on experience. Consider volunteering with an organization in a field of interest to you. You’ll not only gain new interpersonal and job skills (for free), but build a professional network, add valuable experience to your résumé, and learn more about various career options in the field.
Consider College Alternatives That Can Lead to a High-Quality Career
Here are some job training program types that can help you qualify for a lucrative and rewarding career.
Vocational, Trade, or Technical Schools
Trade schools (sometimes also called vocational or technical schools, which offer similar kinds of training but may also have some key differences) can prepare you to enter a wide variety of skills-based occupations. They can be completed in as little as a few months to a couple of years and offer these benefits:
- Targeted education. Trade schools offer specialized education in fields like construction, culinary arts, and healthcare, providing a more direct path to employment in these areas.
- Practical experience. These programs swap out lecture halls for hands-on training, giving you valuable experience and a competitive edge in the job market.
Apprenticeships, Internships, and On-the-Job Training
Consider enrolling in an apprenticeship program or applying for an internship to take advantage of these opportunities:
- Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships in fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry allow you to gain practical experience while earning a wage. And although not all internships offer paid work, some do — and you’ll learn plenty of valuable skills either way.
- Mentorship and growth. These programs offer mentorship from experienced professionals and can lead to key industry certifications and career advancement.
Community Colleges and Associate Degrees
If you know you need some academic background to start the career of your choice, but don’t need a four-year degree, consider getting a certificate or associate degree at a community college to benefit from:
- Flexible learning options. Community colleges provide a variety of certificate programs and associate degrees that can be completed in two years or less. If you change your mind about going to college, you can also transfer to a four-year institution that accepts community college credits afterward, so you won’t have to start from scratch.
- Career-focused education. These institutions often have strong ties to local industries and offer courses designed to meet the demands of the job market.
Make Smart Career Prep Decisions With On Point for College
On Point for College helps traditional and non-traditional students in the Central New York region overcome the barriers to higher education and careers. We support our students from application through graduation and beyond, empowering them to fulfill their dreams and achieve their potential, which ultimately benefits both individuals and our community.
Our Career Services team provides a range of services designed to help On Point students find job training programs and employment that align with their budget and career plans. Join us to get comprehensive assistance with your career training, including guidance on where to start your journey if college isn’t for you. Contact us today to learn how!