So You Dont Want to Go to College? Here are some Alternatives

Not everyone wants to go to college, but it is important that everyone has a solid plan for their life and their career. Here are some options

Many people think going to college immediately after high school is the next best option. But in reality, attending college post-high school may not be what everyone needs for many reasons.

If you are about to graduate from high school and you wonder what next step to take, if college is worth your time and money, or if there are other options available, you are in the right place.

In this article, we will walk you through other options that could be more rewarding.

5 Rewarding College Alternatives

Education comes in several ways, and you don't have to go to college to learn or become successful. Here are a few different options that may be better alternatives to college.

Trade School

If you have a specific trade you want to learn and wish to become an expert at, you may consider going to a trade school after high school.

Trade schools are institutions that offer special training programs for specific careers. They provide practical and hands-on training that prepares you for a trade-skilled job, including welding, building and construction, automobile, and other technical skills.

A major advantage a trade school has over going to college is that they are focused on improving your technical abilities to become a professional at a specific trade. They also provide flexible class schedules that fit into your lifestyle so you can accommodate other responsibilities.

Join the Military

If you love the idea of serving your country, then you should consider joining the military after high school. When you become a part of the military, you get access to a lot of benefits that a college won’t provide. Some of these advantages include free tuition, room and board, and even free job skills training in a variety of fields.

Find a Job

Joining the workforce immediately after high school is an excellent way to explore different fields and gain practical work experience early, but it’s not enough to find just any job. For you to build your career, you need to look out for jobs that provide on-the-job training and allow you to exercise your new knowledge. Having a job at a viable company that values employees’ growth and stability is the best way to be successful in this path.

Obtain an Apprenticeship

Getting an apprenticeship may be easier said than done but in comparison to other opportunities it provides a lucrative immediate experience that is paid and does not cost a fee making it incredibly worthwhile. Apprenticeship is a high-quality career path for in-demand jobs, where employers seek out candidates and offer to train and develop them. Individuals receive paid on-the-job training, classroom instructions, and nationally recognized credentials. Some training opportunities may also translate to college credit. While you can identify apprenticeships on your own by finding program sponsors, the easiest method to find these opportunities is by going to www.apprenticeship.gov. This site, run by the Department of Labor offers a wealth of information and the ability to connect to potential employers.

Join the Corps

No not the Marine Corps. The Peace Corps, Ameri-Corps, or Job Corps. These three organizations are Government-sponsored programs that help teens and young adults gain valuable experiences and critical job skills. Job Corps is a program designed to provide job opportunities and training to economically disadvantaged youth. It is open to individuals aged 16 - 24. Individuals stay in a residential facility from 6 months to 2 years and receive training in relevant vocational trades.
Americorps members are volunteers who perform volunteer work full time (1700 hours a year) or part-time (900 hours a year) in programs like American Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Club, or Habitat for Humanity following their work they receive educational awards to help with vocational school or college. It is open to individuals aged 16 - 24 years old.

Peace Corps is a program that trains and sends volunteers to developing countries to help with construction and improvement projects as cultural ambassadors. Individuals must be over 18 and will be completely immersed in the host country’s culture. Volunteers must have a bachelor's degree or 3 years of work experience. Peace Corps volunteers receive educational benefits and qualify for scholarships and preference in federal jobs after 1 year of service.

You Don’t Have to Make the Choice Alone!

The opportunities above can provide you with the ability to build employable skills and grow professionally. For example, you will learn critical skills like teamwork, punctuality, and other leadership qualities to grow and thrive in the workplace. They may also provide networking opportunities similar to college because you can connect with individuals within your same industry.

Going to college may not be the best choice for you after high school, depending on your interests, goals, and career choice but you have tons of alternatives that will still lead to your professional success.

If you desire more specific career guidance our courses can help. Our career course helps you identify potential opportunities and set you on a path to achieve them. In general, Adultology courses teach you the life skills you need to thrive as an adult. They show you how to navigate your career, financial planning, and make healthy life choices. You can start learning life skills today by exploring the courses on our platform.

Categories: Getting and Managing a Career