Expert: Susie Watts - 3/5/2009

Question

Hey, I have been in and out of 4 Year Colleges over the past couple of years. I started off with an acadmic scholarship to one straight out of high school. It was never that I couldn't do the work, I just couldn't find a career path that grabbed my attention enough to pursue it for four long years. I was always unsure about the job outlook or exacty what I would be doing on the job day-to-day with whatever jobs were out there for the particular majors I kept switching to. I basically stayed in because my family kept acting like going to a tech would be so pointless/useless/not what they wanted me to do/etc.

Anyway, what are some good careers that do not take long to complete training for at a 2 year or less techincal/trade school?

Is there anyone reading this question right now that has went down this route (tech/trade schools) and been able to find a career with the associates degree/diploma/certificate you received at your school? If so, what is it that you do? Share your stories and opinions. Thanks.

Answer
My suggestion would be to look online at some nearby community colleges and see what degree programs and certificates they offer.  You will be amazed how many students take this route and often end up in some very lucrative careers.  Trade schools can also offer the same opportunities and are worth looking at before you make a firm decision.  Not everyone finds a four year university to their liking and some graduate and still don't know what they want to do.  I would also suggest you talk with a career counselor at the school you choose and perhaps do a personality or career inventory to see what your real interests are.