Careers Without Traditional College
By Teresa Ambord
College is a wonderful thing, but it's not for everybody. And it's not the only way to have a great career. You can get a higher education at a vocational school...some perhaps online. In fact, depending on which field you choose, you can learn your craft as you do it, and often be licensed in a couple of years or less. Better still, some vocations can easily lead to becoming an entrepreneur. Here are three in-demand careers that can be achieved without a four-four degree and may allow you to hang out your own shingle.
Cosmetology:
Training in cosmetology is generally a combination of classroom study and hand-on practice. Licensed cosmetologists must have training in chemistry, anatomy, biolgy, and physiology, as well as personal hygiene, facial treatments, hair and scalp treatments, haircutting, hair coloring and perming, manicures, and pedicures.
The demand for good beauticians is ever growing, so there should be no shortage of job possibilities. And though cosmetology is hard work, this is one of the easiest roads to becoming your own boss.
Here's a bonus: In some areas, high school seniors who have completed most of their coursework can begin beauty school during their senior year or even the summer between their junior and senior years. With diligence, you could have your license soon after graduating high school.
If you're still in school and thinking of becoming a cosmetologist you can make it easier on yourself by getting some background in chemistry and biology.
Below is a link to many beauty schools around the country. Many have financial assistance available:
Locksmith:
Training as a locksmith may interest people who like to work with their hands and are curious about how things work. And becoming a locksmith is another way to become an entrepreneur. Locksmith training involves learning to build, service, and repair locks, as well as changing locks and opening safety deposit boxes. To become a locksmith you will need to learn to use specialized equipment and hand tools. Some, but not all states require that you become licensed before going to work as a locksmith.
While in high school, you can give yourself a head start towards learning the craft of locksmithing by taking shop classes that may reveal your aptitude for working with tools.
Check the link below to see a list of many fine locksmith schools. The cost of training is reasonable, and much, if not all of the work can be accomplished through home study.
Private Investigator:
Though you can become a private investigator (PI) without formal training, most employers prefer a high school education and generally an advanced degree. For a successful career as a PI you should be trained in criminal justice, computer forensics, security systems, surveillance, and methods of electronic research.
A good PI has a logical thought process. PIs need to be able to confront when necessary, and to interrogate effectively. PI training includes research and investigation techniques into domestic issues such as divorce and child custody, insurance fraud (such as worker's compensation cheaters) medical malpractice, drug operations, and more.
If you're in high school, an all-around general education is important, but learning good communication skills will help with your career. Obviously you'll deal with a lot of people, and you'll need to be able to communicate clearly in report writing.
Becoming a PI is a good choice for men, women, and minorities. Even high school teens work undercover within their high schools to help track down drug sources.
Most states require that PIs be licensed or pass certification requirements. In California, for example, investigators must be at least 18 and have a combination of education in police science, criminal law or justice, and 6,000 hours of investigative experience. Once you've proven yourself as an effective private investigator, you can become your own boss, taking only those cases that interest you.
Here is a link to one PI school you might like:
Click here to read frequently asked questions about PIs: