Job Searching Without a College Degree

Job Searching Without a College Degree Job Searching Without a College Degree 10Job searching without a college degree can add a level of stress in an activity already filled with pain points. We’ve all heard the inspiring stories of uber-successful people that didn’t finish college or obtain a degree- Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Rachael Ray, and Mark Zuckerberg. What about those who don’t have that one brilliant idea and the means to turn it into a multimillion-dollar company? While there are no guarantees you’ll make Forbes list of the World’s Richest People, there is good news. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that 15.6 million jobs will be added by 2022 and notes that 8.8 million of them do not typically require post-secondary education. When taking into account replacement growth- opportunities due to retirement- 22 of the 30 occupations expected to see the highest number of job openings do not generally require a college degree. Here are four tips to job searching without a college degree: Networking Is King If you have the skill and experience but lack the formal education required to land a particular job, all is not lost. You’re going to need to grow your professional network to yield the right introductions and recommendations. Embrace the Role of the Underdog There is a rush that can come from facing and conquering a challenge. Don’t fall into the trap of making excuses for not having a degree. Instead, focus that energy on proving why you are the best candidate for the job, period. You might try writing a brutally honest cover letter, which worked for one now-famous job seeker. Look for Non-Traditional Educational Opportunities Volunteer in an industry you are interested in. Consider an apprenticeship or an adult internship. Research any industry-based certifications that might give you a leg up. Be open to employer training programs that could lead to bigger and better things. Or try free online classes that will teach you specific skills that can be a valuable addition to your resume. Stay Positive No matter what, keep your head up and don’t give up. While many of the jobs found by the research team do require some level of advanced education, there are jobs that don’t require a college degree. Readers, what other tips do you have for job searching without a college degree? Share your ideas in the comments section below.