Options Other Than College

Acquired skills are talents and expertise often obtained through various education models.

• Trade school: A vocational or technical school that provides specialized educational and hands-on instruction that focuses on one specific career trade (e.g., electrician, plumber, hairdresser).
• Certificate program: A program that focuses on developing specific career skills. Shorter, less expensive programs than obtaining a degree through a college/university. (e.g., Medical coding, IT, pastoral ministry, firefighter, flight attendant).
• Other: Some career paths appear to fall under both categories (trade school or certificate program), and a few careers have their own specific training schools or programs, such as flight school for pilots, police academy for police officers, and culinary school for chefs/pastry chefs.

Training and teaching of skills, knowledge, and competencies that one is given while doing a job and getting paid.

• Entry-level position: A job designed for an individual starting a new job that requires little to no experience. (e.g., Sales associate, food service, receptionist).
• Entrepreneur: A person who creates their own business and is responsible for learning and building their enterprise. (e.g., Construction, manufacturing, food service/food truck).
• Apprenticeship: A program or paid position in which one learns a trade by working under a certified expert. (e.g., Healthcare, cybersecurity, telecommunications) Keep in mind that an apprenticeship often pairs with a trade school and/or certificate program (e.g., Electrician, plumber, HVAC).
• Military: A person who joins the armed forces and enters Basic Training (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines).

This refers to the process of examining and understanding the thoughts, feelings, and motivations to promote growth and clarity regarding the development and making choices about one’s future.

• Gap year: Yearlong break, usually between high school and college or other pursuits.
• Mission work: Service/assistance provided to communities in need by an individual or group, often related to a religious sector. It can include offering humanitarian aid and spreading religious messages.
• Volunteering: When an individual freely gives their time and service to an organization.
• Caregiver/caretaker: One who takes care of a family member or loved one, oftentimes without pay.
• Content creator: An individual who develops and shares various forms of social media content, such as an Instagram/TikTok influencer, blogger, and YouTuber.