So you’re ready to make a move in your career. Maybe you want to advance in your current position, get a big promotion, or switch jobs altogether. At times like these, it’s common to wonder if more schooling is the solution.
And it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Taking classes or going back to school to get another degree can be a big commitment of time, energy, and financial resources. Will it pay off in the long run?
Of course, it depends. Here are some important points to keep in mind as you weigh your options and plan your future.
Getting ahead in your career is possible, even without a bachelor’s degree. With determination, practical experience, and the right strategies, you can demonstrate your value and earn promotions in today’s job market.
While a bachelor’s degree is increasingly standard for white-collar jobs, it’s not the only path to success. Nearly 88 million Americans are prospering in their work without four-year degrees. So if you don’t have a diploma, don’t despair. There are proven ways to get ahead.
Gain Relevant Skills
The key is to master skills that employers need. Technical certificates specialized training self-study, and hands-on experience can make you just as employable as college graduates. Focus on acquiring expertise that’s in demand.
For example, construction managers earn around $95,260 a year but only half have bachelor’s degrees The most crucial requirement is understanding all aspects of construction and management Many builders and contractors work their way up to management positions this way.
Healthcare is another field valuing hands-on training over degrees. Radiologic technicians average $60,510 annually with associate’s degrees and certification. Pharmacy technicians need a high school diploma and typically earn $32,700. Both career paths involve training onsite or through vocational programs.
No matter your industry, target skills that lead to promotions. A manufacturing supervisor combines mechanical expertise with leadership ability. Master coders in IT stay up-to-date on changing technology. The right know-how helps you stand out.
Earn Professional Certifications
Certificates verify specialized skills and real-world experience. They show employers your dedication to your profession.
Options abound with short certification courses on nearly every topic. A Six Sigma green belt in quality management boosts your manufacturing career. SHRM certification exhibits your human resources knowledge. Microsoft, Cisco, and Oracle certifications demonstrate IT and technical skills.
You can even gain credentials online through sites like Coursera, EdX, and Udemy. Certificates give you measurable achievements to put on your resume. They prove your qualifications without a lengthy degree.
Entry-level jobs often require—or prefer—applicants with certifications. For example, bookkeeping, tax prep, paralegal roles, and medical assisting lean toward those with proven skills. Certificates qualify you for promotions as you advance too.
Attend Local Events
Getting involved in your professional community expands your network and visibility. Attending conferences, seminars, association meetings, and other events pays dividends.
These gatherings offer learning, relationship building, and insider access. You gain exposure to industry leaders and peers while exchanging ideas. Being known as an engaged participant impresses decision makers.
Look for local chapters of national associations like the National Association of Realtors, American Marketing Association, and Association for Talent Development. Your city or region likely hosts regular meetups and conferences too. These occasions give you a platform to showcase expertise.
Speaking and moderating events also bolsters authority. Submit session proposals to share insights. Introduce yourself to organizers as an industry contributor. Being a thought leader, even locally, earns respect.
Showcase Your Passion
Displaying genuine excitement for your work can be your secret weapon. Enthusiasm and effort create achievement no degree can match.
Managers value team members who take initiative to master their roles. Eagerness to learn new systems, improve processes, and apply innovations shows drive. Share ideas and solutions proactively.
Likewise, understand your company’s objectives and culture inside and out. Know industry trends and best practices too. Share articles and books with colleagues. Use your knowledge to solve problems.
This passion shines through in your work. Strive for flawless execution and go the extra mile on projects. Internal promotions often result from exceeding expectations, not meeting them.
Let your natural motivation empower your career. Apply your fullest effort and brightest thinking every day. There’s no substituting such dedication.
Mention Other Credentials
Don’t overlook other accomplishments to highlight too. Degrees and certificates aren’t the only advantages to mention.
For example, describe specialized training from previous jobs, even if informal. Employers respect diligence to build skills. Military experience provides leadership, technology, and operational skills as well.
Share any honors that demonstrate expertise—awards, speaking engagements, articles published, or committees led. Hobbies involving sophisticated skills are fair game too, like aviation certifications, software programming, or fluency in multiple languages.
Just relate extra credentials directly to the job duties and traits the role requires. Don’t rely on unrelated achievements. Tailor them to the needs of the position and company.
Complete an Internship or Volunteer
Gaining experience is vital for new graduates but also career switchers and those without degrees. Internships and volunteering let you demonstrate skills and make connections.
Internships offer hands-on learning under professionals already in your desired field. You’ll gain task knowledge rapidly while building your resume. Many interns transition smoothly into entry-level roles.
Volunteering also pays off. Tutoring, helping nonprofits, or organizing community events shows leadership. You can even volunteer to help professional associations plan their next conference or fundraiser. The contacts you make could be invaluable.
Choose short-term opportunities that match your abilities with employers’ needs. A few months of effort could earn you full-time job offers and career growth.
Climbing the ranks without a bachelor’s degree is achievable. Companies care about real-world skills and drive more than credentials. Get certified, master in-demand abilities, attend industry events, showcase passion, and gain experience. Keep learning and demonstrate your value. With the right strategy, you can go far.
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Some employers are requiring degrees when they didn’t before
In what some experts are referring to as “degree inflation,” many employers are now requiring candidates to hold four-year degrees for jobs that previously didn’t require them. While this can create a hurdle for some job-seekers, it helps employers determine which candidates have more training and up-to-date technical skills that they can put to work right away.
If we go back to our healthcare example, in the case of nursing, universities are offering more specialized and formal programs for the profession. In the last decade, a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) has become the standard expectation. But the good news is that such degrees are more accessible due to online BSN programs that can be completed according to the student’s availability — even while working full-time.
No matter what career you’re exploring, do some research instead of making assumptions. Search job boards, read job descriptions, talk to people in your target field. Find out what level of education is actually required — and then find online degree options that fit both your needs and lifestyle.
Your target role or industry might require a degree
Before you make any moves, find out if the position you want actually requires a degree. Three popular fields in which degrees are commonly required are healthcare, IT, and finance. With all three, keep in mind that the more education you have, the higher your pay may be and the more career options you’ll have.
Due to our aging population, healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries and is predicted to remain so for years to come. Because of this, demand for healthcare workers is high, meaning salaries are higher than average and the benefits are often quite good. Educational requirements for healthcare jobs range widely. For example, within nursing, requirements can range from associate degrees (certified nursing assistant, paramedic) and bachelor degrees (bachelor of science in nursing) all the way up to masters (family nurse practitioner, neonatal clinical nurse specialist) and doctoral degrees (nurse executive, advanced nursing).
Another high-demand field is information technology. The value of the tech industry in the U.S. is massive and hundreds of thousands of IT jobs are created each year. You don’t have to look far to understand why; from cybersecurity to entertainment to everyday tasks, technology is at the center of our lives. Breaking into the IT field can be a very smart career move; but keep in mind that even entry-level jobs commonly require a bachelor’s degree in programs like computer science or information systems and technology.
The world of finance is vast and diverse, offering a wide range of career options. These jobs (e.g. commercial banking, financial planner, venture capitalist, etc.) are often high-paying, even at entry level, and have unlimited potential for growth. As with IT, a four-year degree — like a BSBA with a major in finance — is a requirement for many entry-level finance positions.
The 3 Qualities Needed to Constantly Advance in Your Career
What if I can’t get a job with a bachelor’s degree?
There is no sense in wasting your time and energy applying for a job that is not right for you. Even if you are unable to get a four-year bachelor’s degree (or a two-year associate’s degree), you can always take small steps in your education that would impress a hiring manager: Consider taking courses in your industry at a local college.
Can I start a career without a college degree?
There are many opportunities to begin a meaningful and lasting career, even without a college degree. If you’re interested in a career that does not require a college degree, here are several steps you can take to succeed in a profession without a college background: 1. Set achievable career goals
How do I get a job if I don’t have a degree?
Here are some tips if you’re looking for a high-paying job and don’t have a four-year degree: Start with certain fields: Jobs in the technology, customer service, administration and medical assistance fields often only require a high school diploma, industry certification or on-the-job experience.
Do you need a college degree to get a job?
Here’s a perspective many job seekers may find encouraging: you don’t need a college degree to have a great career. Even though consensus holds in some quarters that you need a college degree to succeed in the workforce, that’s not always the case. You can enjoy a rewarding, successful career without a college education.
