5 Things You Can Do Instead of a 4-year College (and why they might be better options)

Everyone knows college is expensive. With debt skyrocketing, is it time for us to start exploring other options? Why do many people still have the idea that a 4-year degree is the only path towards mobility and prosperity? There are actually thousands of pathways to good careers that do not require a 4-year degree to be successful. Here are 5 ways to get career ready that are less expensive, faster, and can lead more directly to a real career than a bachelor’s degree.

1. Do an apprenticeship with a union

There are still many career pathways with strong and robust union memberships. Apprenticeships typically take 4-years, but as opposed to college, you can start getting paid right away! With a mix of classroom and on-the-job training, union apprenticeships can be a great way to break into the skilled trades. Unions are also famous for providing their members with health benefits and more job security than some other types of employment. If you like working with your hands, building things, or being outside, check out the unions on WhereWeGo.

2. Pursue a pathway at a community college 

Did you know that 60% of jobs in the healthcare field do not require a 4-year degree? This is just one example of how community college degrees have more to offer than you might have thought. Programs for certifications in everything from hands-on positions like surgical tech to more administrative jobs like medical coder are available in community colleges, and schools across the country. If you thought that doctors and nurses were the only ones who could help people get healthy, think again! And that’s just healthcare! The same goes for digital media, technology, skilled trades, and even business.

3. Do a coding boot camp.

Careers in computer science and web development are some of the fastest-growing jobs in the world. Coding boot camps are popping up in all different shapes and sizes. These programs range from very expensive to very free. If you are interested in exploring a career in coding, a boot camp is a fast (but definitely not easy) pathway towards entering a very in-demand field. 

4. Find a company with On The Job Training.

 Companies all over the country are struggling to find qualified employees. To solve this problem, they are spending millions of dollars to train workers to fill the jobs that they can’t find in their applicant pool. From solar panel installer to business and sales roles, a business may pay for you to get trained, take a nationally recognized certification exam, and strengthen your resume, all while you get paid!

5. Get a certification for something you’re passionate about.

Your local community and technical college likely have a long list of job certification and vocational programs for you to choose from. From cosmetology to pastry chef, IT, to welding, community and technical colleges have a ton of opportunities! The challenge is understanding which of those programs is the best for you. On WhereWeGo, you can explore these opportunities by the things that are the most important to you. Come check it out!