Job Searching Without a College Degree

Job Searching Without a College DegreeJob Searching Without a College Degree10Job searching without a college degree can add a level of stress in an activity already filled with pain points. Weve all heard the inspiring stories of uber-successful people that didnt finish college or obtain a degree- Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Rachael Ray, and Mark Zuckerberg. What about those who dont have that one brilliant idea and the means to turn it into a multimillion-dollar company?While there are no guarantees youll make Forbes list of the Worlds Richest People, there is good news. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that 15.6 million jobs will be added by 2022 and bedrngnises that 8.8 million of them do not typically require post-secondary education. When taking into account replacement growth- opportunities due to retirement- 22 of the 30 occupations expected to see the highest number of job openings do not generally require a college degree.Here are four tips to job searching wit hout a college degreeNetworking Is KingIf you have the skill and experience but lack the formal education required to land a particular job, all is not lost. Youre going to need to grow your professional network to yield the right introductions and recommendations.Embrace the Role of the UnderdogThere is a rush that can come from facing and conquering a challenge. Dont fall into the trap of making excuses for not having a degree. Instead, focus that energy on proving why you are the best candidate for the job, period. You might try writing a brutally honest cover letter, which worked for one now-famous job seeker.Look for Non-Traditional Educational OpportunitiesVolunteer in an industry you are interested in. Consider an apprenticeship or an adult internship. Research any industry-based certifications that might give you a leg up. Be open to employer training programs that could lead to bigger and better things. Or try free online classes that will teach you specific skills that can be a valuable addition to your resume.Stay PositiveNo matter what, keep your head up and dont give up. While many of the jobs found by the research team do require some level of advanced education, there are jobs that dont require a college degree.Readers, what other tips do you have for job searching without a college degree? Share your ideas in the comments section below.