According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the cost of undergraduate tuition fees, food, and accommodation rose by 31 percent in the past decade.
Students and their parents are finding it increasingly difficult to afford college nowadays. Many have to seek financing. If you’re searching for scholarships online, you should make use of search and comparison sites, believe those at BrokeScholar.
With costs rising every year, why do people still seek higher education?
One reason is that it’s part of a natural path between high school and a job. Many people also believe that we only gain knowledge in a classroom with teachers and lecturers.
However, entrepreneurs and other accomplished people who don’t have a degree have shown that attending college isn’t the only way to a successful life.
So, what can you do if you want to skip the higher institution of learning?
Seek an Apprenticeship or Internship
It’s more popular in Europe than it is in America for employees to split their hours between on-the-job training and classroom time.
For instance, there are apprentices in all fields in Germany, such as banking, information technology (IT), and manufacturing. Such programs in the United States are more common in the construction industry where you can acquire hands-on experience in areas such as metalwork and masonry.
Start a Business
There are many success stories about individuals with no college education who’ve built thriving businesses. Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and the late Steve Jobs started with nothing. They went on to own and manage billion-dollar enterprises.
Let their example inspire you to take the road less traveled and pursue your dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. You’ve got to believe in your idea and yourself, take risks, and work hard, but the payoff is worth more than the money itself.
It’s the knowledge that you beat the odds and made it on your terms.
Online Side Hustles
If you’re like many young people who haven’t decided on the future yet, you’ll save money and time by not wasting four years studying for a degree that won’t be relevant.
Instead, you could start one or several ventures that’ll generate income and help you learn valuable skills that you can use when you’ve chosen a career path.
The internet offers numerous job and business opportunities for beginners. You can choose freelance gigs that don’t require applicants to possess any academic qualifications.
Online selling is also popular these days. Besides being a profitable option, you’ll gain invaluable knowledge about marketing and networking.
Choose Employers That Don’t Require Degrees
Many companies, especially in the IT field, don’t care about qualifications. They’re looking for people with leadership qualities, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think outside the box. IBM claims that up to 15 percent of its new employees didn’t graduate from college.
Times are changing. More employers are no longer emphasizing applications accompanied by certificates.
Find Occupations That Offer Valuable Experience
The service industry offers jobs that provide excellent career lessons and transferable expertise. You’ll develop skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, delegation, and dealing with people.
These positions don’t usually pay well, but you’ll gain knowledge that’ll help you for the rest of your career.
Explore Your Options
You’ve seen that you don’t need a college degree to be successful in life. There are many pathways you can choose based on your goals for the future and your personality. The ones we’ve mentioned are meant to give you something to consider.
We suggest that you also listen to your heart when making your decision. Don’t follow the masses blindly. It is, after all, your destiny.
