College Not For You?
Here Are Some Alternatives!
Article By | Sarah Hook
In an area like the Brazos Valley, college is on everyone’s mind. Texas A&M University has had a huge impact on the community, and in Brazos County alone over 41 percent of residents over the age of 25 have a bachelors degree or higher, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s not uncommon now for entry-level jobs to require some sort of degree or experience, perhaps because there are so many people around who have a degree. With all that around us, it’s easy to think that college is the only option for graduating high school seniors, even when it comes hand-in-hand with significant debt. This cannot be further from the truth – and the Brazos Valley has a multitude of options for those seniors who decide the collegiate route is not for them.
Vocational Schools
Vocational schools (also known as trade schools) can be distinguished from traditional colleges by their focus on job-specific training and technical skills. Such schools typically don’t offer liberal arts classes or other traditional, unrelated academic subjects, but they still offer necessary certifications, diplomas, or even an associates degree. Most programs range from three months to a year, and students are still eligible for federal financial aid.
Job Training Programs
Oftentimes all a company wants is a specific skill. There are numerous job training programs that offer such things, especially in the medical industry. Such programs are generally fairly affordable and can open up opportunities for advancement and growth.
Careers with Vocational Opportunities
| Nursing Aide | Diesel mechanic |
| Medical Technician | Prep Cook |
| Surgical Prep Technician | Welder |
| Dental Hygienist | Welder |
| Veterinary Assistant | Electrician |
| Pharmacy Technician | Plumber |
| Police Officer | Web Designer |
| Firefighter | Carpenter |
| Paramedic | Construction Management |
| CPR and First Aid Instructor | Machinist |
| General Automotive |
Training in the Brazos Valley
Applied Technology, Workforce, and Economic Development
Charles and Sue’s School of Hair Design
Manuel and Theresa’s School of Hair Design
Brazos Valley Flight Services
College Station Dental Assistant School
Gulf Coast School Of Real Estate
College Station Medical Assistant School
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
Modern Barber & Beauty Institute
Black Wolf CDL Training Center
TEEX Recruit Fire Academy
Brazos Valley CPR & Training
Texas AgriLife Extension Service Pesticide Training
Work Promotions
Sometimes all you need to do to advance in your career is stick with a job. There are countless stories of chain managers who simply took the opportunities presented to them as low-level employees.
If your workplace has a good environment, offers advancement training, and invests in its employees, there’s a good chance you can significantly increase your salary and position just by taking those opportunities.
Apprenticeships
Far from being a thing of the past, Apprenticeships are a wonderful way of combining training and work. Many apprenticeships offer classroom instruction along with paid on-the-job training, and while they may last longer than other methods of learning you spend that time under the supervision of an experienced industry worker.
Many construction and industrial trades offer apprenticeship programs, but they can also be found in more non-traditional jobs like manufacturing, healthcare, and information security.
Self-paced / Free
In the age of the internet, there is no excuse for not learning what you need to know. While many employers want a more formal certificate of knowledge, you can easily give yourself a boost in any industry by taking online courses, reading about your subject matter, or even just watching YouTube tutorials on programs or functions you need to know. These methods of learning won’t disrupt your schedule, because they are entirely self-guided, and it is easy to find courses that are affordable or even free. Once you have that knowledge, there are many ways to put it to use.
If you are already in the career you want, use it to advance yourself. If you are not, freelancing is a good way to get your foot in the door. Work the hours you want, building your experience bit by bit as your own boss.
Freelancing Job Search Resources
Freelancer
UpWork
CloudPeeps
Mediabistro
FlexJobs
Guru
The Muse
Craigslist
Indeed
Fiverr
TaskRabbit
Working not Working
Freelance Writing Jobs
99Designs