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Not everyone is cut out for college. In fact, many people forego a formal education to enter careers in the trades.
Job opportunities in the trades are wide and varied. Many people become skilled at trades in high school, where they learn the basics of auto repair and woodworking. Some enter apprenticeships directly after graduating, while others attend trade or technical schools for advanced training. Either way, trades offer a rewarding, in-demand and profitable career for many interested in working with theirs hands and possess the aptitude to diagnose and repair complicated machinery in fields such as heating and air conditioning, welding, masonry and more.
Here are some popular trades and the training required to being your career.
High school graduates and those with a GED can enter training at a technical school for electricians. These diploma programs provide training in the fundamentals of an electrical trade and enables students to become proficient in areas such as areas as electrical wiring and programmable logic controllers used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. After completing four semesters of training, new electricians enter the workforce through an apprenticeship as they work toward their license, which is required by many states.
Like electricians, plumbing technicians first attend at least two semesters of training at a
technical school before beginning an apprenticeship and earning a license. Modern plumbers have the opportunity to work at a variety of job sites and install or repair new technologies, such as tankless water heaters, WiFi leak detectors and smart appliances. This trade skill is extremely valuable and sees constant job demand.
This relatively new, rapidly expanding trade directly taps into the fast-paced digital world, creating and installing the systems homes and businesses have com to rely upon.
Smart-enabled and security systems are examples of fields that form the digital footprint of many modern workplaces and homes. In high-demand, technologists in this field are trained for 2-3 years and obtain a certificate before working on-site and completing a paid apprenticeship.
Many people enter the armed forces to take advantage of military
benefits, such as funding for a college education, while also performing their duties around the world after attending
vocational training for a particular field. After completing their service, veterans with valuable trade skills can often enter the workforce directly or take advantage of veterans benefits that provide them further training to adapt military occupations to a civilian career.
No matter what trade you pursue, the training you receive can almost guarantee a life-long position, many with substantial pay that sometimes reaches into six figures. And even if you never pursue a trade professionally, the skills you learn can be applied in your everyday life, as well as a fulfilling hobby.
has to edit this material into a coherent format for presentation. Video editors are tasked with making this happen, transferring raw footage into an enticing production that often includes interactive features and extra content for both traditional websites and mobile formats.
Many people rely on their social media accounts to find information about news and events, and it is the social media manager’s job to keep audiences engaged with fresh, up-todate content. A social media manager in the media will typically oversee multiple accounts on a variety of platforms to draw readers and drive potential subscribers to their sites.
Pursuing a career in the media is the dream of many people, and the field offers more opportunity than ever before.
At one time, finding a job in the media meant working for a print
newspaper or a radio or television station. But the modern media encompasses many more careers on multiple platforms.
In the new all-digital world, people in the media are not just reporters or anchors. Many produce stories that incorporate video, social media and podcasting skills that bring the public
an immersive experience.
The changing landscape brings with it a variety of exciting jobs, not only in journalism but in many other adjacent fields. Here are a number of positions that can widen your perspective and provide opportunity.
User experience, or UX, writers bring content to life online through a variety of means. They add links and other elements to text as readers navigate their way through a story. They also ensure the copy is written in SEO, or search engine optimized, style so people using a search engine can quickly be directed to relevant stories based on keywords.
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In the media, content is king. And in this highly competitive world talented content producers are prized. Content can come in the form of articles, photos, audio and video. Besides creating content, there are many jobs involving the editing and posting of content.
Because content producers and not just writers and reporters, but also video and audio producers, someone
These are just a few of the exciting fields available to people pursuing a media career. And the good news is that because modern media is fueled by rapidly changing technology, many of these roles don’t require specialized degrees. While some technical expertise is required in some fields, younger “digital natives” have found rewarding careers based on skills they already have. Though the delivery methods have changed, the media will always value excellent communicators who are in touch with their audience.
Getting started right out of school can be more challenging that graduating itself.
Applying for your first job after classwork ends is often a daunting proposition. Grads typically have more book-learned knowledge than real-world experience. But joining the workforce doesn’t have to become an impossible task.
It just takes the right preparation.
You should arrive at this job search brimming with hard-won confidence. You’ve just achieved a major accomplishment in graduating from school. Be aware, however, that some openings draw numerous candidates from across a wide spectrum of skills and experience. You may not immediately secure a job in your field, despite your academic credentials.
So start early, while notifying any prospective employer of when you’re set to leave school. Utilize the network of friends, family, professors and initial professional contacts you’ve already made to pinpoint job opportunities. They can provide a needed recommendation that can open doors which might remain closed with a blind application.
Depending on the job, you may be expected to apply with a resume or curriculum vitae. Both provide a platform for your skills and experience, but they do it in different ways. A CV is typically submitted in research, educational or medical fields. This credential-based document is more in depth than a resume, stretching into multiple pages. You’ll list education, experience, certifications and other professional affiliations. A resume, however, should be limited to one page while focusing more on your
personal skills. Busy hiring managers typically have a stack of resumes to go through for any coveted job opening, so make sure yours is to the point.
Follow the correct application format for your field. Closely examine your documents to make sure there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes. Nothing will get your application passed over more quickly. First impressions matter, and employers will disregard you as a candidate if you’re too inattentive to submit a mistake-free application. If you’re worried that you might miss something, employ a standard spellcheck function or the Grammerly app to double check. Friends or family members who are careful readers can also be a huge benefit. Tailor everything to the job you’re applying for, focusing on strategic phrases or keywords that are part of the company mission. And don’t forget the cover letter.
Most people start looking for work when their current job becomes unsatisfying, when they’d like to make more money, or when they feel like their professional development has stalled. A promotion with your current employer could address all of those issues.
Promotions can mean a bigger paycheck, new challenges and more influence in the workplace, and you won’t have to pack up your things for a new office. Negotiations for a different job with your current employer are eased because they’re familiar with your work habits and abilities. That could lead to the kind of perks a new hire might not get.
Taking another job within the company provides all of the benefits that come with changing jobs and none of the drawbacks of starting over again in an unfamiliar setting. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to climb the ladder within a company. Some 40 percent of American workers reported dissatisfaction with their chances for advancement according to a recent CNBC survey. Respondents were nevertheless confident that if they got the chance, their confirmed work ethic as a veteran employee would play a big role in securing the promotion. Familiarity is your biggest strength in this process – as long as your performance has been up to par.
Prime candidates for internal
promotion have met their goals, whether that’s sales quotas or staying on budget. Knowing an employee before they apply can be a double-edged sword, however, if you haven’t been meeting your employer’s expectations. You’ll further improve your chances by taking on more responsibility, which might include mentoring newer employees or chipping in on projects that are outside
of your core responsibilities. A solid work ethic, consistent results and a willingness to further the company’s wider goals can smooth the way for a move up.
You’ll need to carefully balance a sense of confidence with some element
of modesty. Demanding a promotion isn’t going to open that door. Instead, be prepared to present your case. Ask informed questions about what they’re looking for – then tailor your answers to address those requirements. Just because you’re currently employed at the company doesn’t mean that you’ll be ushered into the next role without having to show you’ve earned it.
