Every day, the world evolves and new inventions are developed. There are now electric vehicles, wireless headphones, smart speakers, and many other forms of technology on the market. Along with such changes, more options and alternatives have become available to people when it comes to achieving academic success, particularly if their aim is higher education.
Many individuals want to go to college in order to obtain their degree of choice. But with the ever-evolving world we live in, the traditional way of applying for and attending a university is no longer the only means of reaching that specific goal. The following are some of the other ways you can work toward having a college degree:
1. Attend A Career Or Trade School
You may find it worthwhile to explore a vocational, trade, or career school. Some of the best trade schools have programs centered around particular areas of work. If you think you’re suited for a particular line of skilled work, those types of schools could be a great alternative way for you to earn a college degree. There are numerous industries you can explore and engage in, including culinary work, business, technology, and health care.
Career school programs aren’t as lengthy as typical college programs. They’re often laid out over two years, so you can expect yourself to be incredibly busy during that period. While career school training can be quite expensive, you may be able to obtain financial assistance in the same way you can get financial aid for a traditional college experience. Degrees from career schools are more direct and career-focused, so you may be granted the opportunity to work sooner than you would’ve have if you’d gone for a traditional university.
Be sure to carry out thorough research on various career schools and determine what they have to offer. Assess their statistics surrounding employment after university, and review the skills you’re wishing to acquire over time.
2. Obtain An Associate Degree
You may not want to follow through with or obtain a four-year college degree. In this case, you can look into obtaining an associate degree. This is the middle ground between finishing high school and graduating with a college degree, and you can get it from a community college.
There’s more flexibility attached to an associate degree in that you’re granted the choice of deciding whether you want to be a full-time student and complete your degree within two years or you prefer to earn your degree part-time over a longer period. An associate degree is a good alternative to the traditional four-year university route. It grants you the option of having a college degree that’s greater than either a high school diploma or a college experience without a degree.
3. Apply For An Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is ideal for people who aren’t keen on attending and paying for a four-year degree. This is where you’re employed by a company that takes you in to receive training on the job and classroom instruction. While your training’s being carried out, you’re paid a salary adhering to the minimum wage.
There are many industries offering apprenticeships and training programs of this sort. Those fields include energy, health care, information technology, and construction. Apprenticeship programs vary from company to company, but the training period could range from one to six years. The training period also depends on a particular program or occupation. Some apprenticeships require some work experience or pre-courses that one can take in a career school.
After completion, you’re granted the necessary credentials to progress in your career. An apprenticeship shouldn’t be confused with an internship or a job. A company isn’t obliged to hire you just because you underwent an apprenticeship with them. You may also have to go through an interview process.
4. Opt For An Online University
Some people have a lot of responsibilities at home or at work but still want to actively pursue a degree. Online universities and courses, such as those on https://www.straighterline.com/online-college-courses/ and similar websites, have been set up for more flexibility so a person can earn a degree despite having a busy schedule. Online universities have various functions to facilitate distance learning. Learners can choose to enroll either full-time or part-time.
Learning virtually doesn’t mean you won’t be granted a college experience. Online video communication platforms allow for group discussions and live lessons. When it comes to tests, some online universities have physical testing locations, while others make use of virtual proctoring services or software.
It’s important to know that attending a virtual university may not be as easy as it sounds. The work you’ll have to put in could even be slightly more rigorous and time-consuming compared to what you would do in a traditional college or university. That’s why you need to develop excellent time management skills. You may also experience difficulties with networking, but some online universities have virtual career channels to help fill this gap.
Earn Your College Degree
Decades ago, no one thought there would eventually be value in online education and that it would be widely available. But in our now highly advanced world, practically anything’s possible. There are numerous ways for one to earn a degree or pursue a career without taking the usual college route. These were developed in order to help people with different living conditions, those who are after particular areas of work, or individuals who don’t want to conform to the traditional university setup. If you belong to any of those groups, it’s time for you to consider the alternatives and make any of them work to your advantage.