While it was and still is a popular pathway of education, not all career paths requires a traditional degree.
You can easily build a successful career without needing to attend a college or university, but not everyone knows about the different industries that can be pursued.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about what industries you could explore and roles specifically that don’t require a traditional degree to acquire the job.
Career Paths That Do Not Require a Traditional Degree – Technology & Digital
Technology and the digital world have quickly become one of the most sought-after roles within companies, and therefore, many people are looking to navigate this career path due to its popularity and placement in the future.
A UX/UI designer is a role that you can achieve by building a strong portfolio and using tools that help you gain skills via online courses.
As a digital marketing executive, roles in content, SEO, and social media can be achieved without a degree. It’s worth getting certified through Google, CIM, or HubSpot.
For software developers, skills and coding bootcamps are a great way to acquire a role without a degree.
Career Paths That Do Not Require a Traditional Degree – Healthcare and Fitness
There are several great entry points within the health and fitness industry. As a healthcare/support worker, physiotherapy or mental health support often provides volunteering opportunities and on-the-job training.
As a personal trainer or nutrition coach, certifications are key, but these can easily be achieved without needing a degree.
If you are looking to help those with their eye health, opticians and optical assistants can be acquired with training on product knowledge and customer service.
Career Paths That Do Not Require a Traditional Degree – Business & Management
Business and management is a financially beneficial industry to get into, and a lot of the roles within the industry don’t require a degree.
A sales executive or manager requires strong communication and people skills rather than any formal qualification. Other areas to explore are estate agents, where these roles are sales-focused and often require specific certifications or training.
Project, production, and warehouse managers are all roles that require demonstrating leadership, experience, and on-the-job growth.
Career Paths That Do Not Require a Traditional Degree – Creative and Service
There are some great careers to explore in the creative and service industries. For example, becoming a chef doesn’t require a formal degree but instead culinary skills and experience that you build over time.
Event planners and personal shoppers are creative roles with good earning potential and can be acquired without much in the way of qualifications.
For service industries, police officers provide entry routes with a degree in many areas.
Career Paths That Do Not Require a Traditional Degree – Skilled Trades and Manufacturing
One of the industries that continues to stand firm in its popularity is the skilled trades and manufacturing industries.
Electricians, plumbers, and welders are all available to enter through apprenticeships and offer high earning potential.
Elevator installers, machinists, and CNC operators are all great roles that don’t need a degree but can be achieved with apprenticeships and certifications.
Career Paths That Do Not Require a Traditional Degree – How to get started with a new career path
To get started with a new career path, find what industries you enjoy and explore the roles available. Look at the different options when it comes to courses and training, like CDL training for truck driving jobs.
Seek out online courses and look at volunteering or entry-level roles to gain experience. This helps to get your foot in the door and hopefully, on that first rung of the career ladder.