How to Find Good Jobs without a College Degree
As the cost of a college degree soars, you might need a “Plan B” to find a good job. Your options depend on how much experience you gain and how hard you’re willing to work.
Up next in How to Find a Job (28 videos)
Improve your job search and increase your job opportunities with the advice in these videos.
You Will Need
- An employment counselor
- A targeted resume
- Interviewing skills
- Personal contacts
- An apprenticeship
- Certification
- Networking skills (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Find an employment counselor
Determine your goals and learn about the market with the help of an employment counselor. Be willing to start at the bottom.
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Step 2
Research professions
Research job openings and focus on advertised requirements. Create a resume listing your accomplishments and qualities that match what employers want.
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Step 3
Request informational interviews
Request informational interviews to get known and learn what is expected to be successful in their field. Ask your friends for contacts they might have.
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Networking is a great way to get a job.
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Step 4
Apprentice yourself
Apprentice yourself to a tradesman, working for low wages or for free to learn skills in a field, and earn the trust that leads to referrals when opportunity knocks.
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Attitude is critical. Have a strong work ethic.
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Step 5
Work your way up
Choose industries that will allow you to work your way into management, such as mining, manufacturing, sales, construction, and transportation.
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Step 6
Get certified
Take certification courses to be licensed in a field where you can later rise into management based on work performance and experience.
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Microsoft founder Bill Gates and music and film producer David Geffen never earned college degrees.
