In today's times, not everyone is able or willing to wait four or more years to be able to find suitable employment. Many companies won't hire individuals with anything less than a bachelor's degree, however. This is where trades come in. Search any job site and browse through the listings for web designers, writers, and other great careers. Guess what? Those jobs do not require a degree. So before throwing four years of life and thousands of dollars towards something that may or may not help in finding suitable employment, search for a trade.
Choosing a Trade Career
Why choose a trade?
- Trades often require little to no higher education and are excellent for adults who are already employed in the workforce and are seeking to change careers.
- Trades can often survive the most devastating of recessions because tradespeople are more needed than those with college degrees.
- Trades are often jobs that give the freedom of becoming self-employed.
The difference between a trade such web design, and any other typical career, such as a doctor, is mostly the amount of higher education and skill set. Trades are usually completely skill-based while most other jobs are more dependent upon higher education. Trade jobs are all about talent, which means it only takes talent to get the job. Employers who are looking to hire trade-workers will often give the potential candidate the chance to demonstrate his or her ability.
Knowing which trade is the right trade is a matter of personal assessment. Ask the following questions:
- Are you easily bored with tedious tasks?
- Do you prefer to be more physically active or more mentally active?
- Can you handle the ups and downs of beginning a freelance business?
- Do you need strong financial security or are you easily content with life's basic essentials?
Once these questions are answered it will become easier to find and trade for a new career.
Career Help
Speak with a career counselor. Colleges, trade schools, and high schools all usually have career counselors. Some career counselors work independently and may post their services through directories or classifieds such as craigslist.
Its helpful to speak with a counselor because he will be able to offer help towards gaining internships, apprenticeships, job searches, resume writing, and other valuable services. Ask him as much as possible about a prospective trade program.
Be sure to gather as many resources as possible such as financial aid, information regarding extra-curricular activities (if available), and information regarding various companies that may be partnered with a specific schools. Some companies will also visit classrooms for seminars or similar events. If this is available, take advantage of it and be sure to ask the company representatives about open positions within their company.
Trade Jobs
Trade jobs are everywhere and aren't going anywhere. Some of the more popular trades include include:
- Cosmetology – This career often requires at least one year of training, an industry certification, and a cosmetology license.
- Web design – This career requires a web design portfolio and resume. A trade certification or degree can help but is not necessary.
- Freelance writing – This career requires excellent writing skills, attention to details, the ability to accept criticism and use it to improve, and the ability to market one's skills.
- Culinary artist – This career requires an industry certification, excellent cooking skills, and an ability to turn food into art.
- Digital video production – This career requires either an industry certification or a degree.
- Machining – This career requires either a certification or experience. Apprenticeships may also be available through some companies.
Of course there are many, many, more trades than just the above. Check to see if there are trade programs within a close convenient distance from home and ask them what programs they have available.
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