3 Well Paying Careers That Don't Require a 4 Year Degree

Getting the best job, even without a degree.


Let's face it - not everyone has the time, money or aptitude to get a 4 year degree. Even though many experts agree that people who have a degree have an easier time finding good jobs, that doesn't mean that without one you will be stuck working minimum wage jobs. In fact, there are many jobs that pay well that only require, at most, a two year training commitment.


Here are 5 well paying careers that don't require a bachelor's degree:


Dental Assistant - This career is growing much faster than average and offers many job perks. The flexible work hours appeal to those who have families or are raising young children. Not only that, the pay is good. To become a dental assistant, you first have to attend a dental assisting program, which typically takes about a year. Then you have to pass an exam. Another option is to take a two year associate degree program. Dental assistants earn an average of $32,000 a year.


Surgical Tech - This job field is growing rapidly and requires training courses that range from nine months to two years, depending on if you want a certificate or an associate degree. You can find programs at community colleges and vocational schools. Surgical techs work in operating rooms helping surgeons and finishing completed procedures. On average, surgical techs earn $38,740.


Radiological Technician - Although licensing requirements vary from state to state, most states require a certificate or a two year degree. This field is growing and these professionals handle medical procedures like taking X-rays. The average salary for this job is $52,210.


Have you considered any of these career fields? Please share your thoughts in the comments.


By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for HealthcareJobsiteBlog and Beyond.com.. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Related articles

• 5 Growing Careers You May Not Have Considered (manufacturingworkersblog.com)
• Grad School or Get a Job? The Pro's and Con's (educationjobsiteblog.com)
• 5 Tips For Changing Careers (financialjobbankblog.com)
• How To Choose The Right University For You (educationjobsiteblog.com)

Getting a Job With Your Degree - 5 Tips For New Grads

Getting into the workforce is tougher than ever, here are some tips to help.

There is no denying it, new college graduates are facing the toughest workforce since World War II, and many are struggling just to find any job, let alone one in their field. In fact, a recent study by American Express showed that 68 percent of new grads are either not working at all, or they are working outside of their chosen field. Almost half of them are relying on their parents to help them pay their bills.

Many new graduates have moved back home with their parents and have been looking desperately for work. Some of them have given up on the job market and have decided to go back to school to pursue a graduate degree, while others are still trying to find something in their industry.

If you are a recent college graduate, don't give up. Here are 5 tips that can help you break through:

• Have a good attitude - I know that many people will say this is unfair, but your personality counts more than your experience. When most employers are asked what traits they look for in new employees, they are much more likely to say that they want people who have a strong work ethics, great attitudes and strong communication skills. Work history, educational background and experience typically are much further down the list of must-haves.

• Polish your writing skills - Social media is great, but employers are really looking for strong communicators who have the ability to write more than 120 characters at a time. In fact, studies show that employers think that college grads today have inferior verbal and written communication skills and lack the ability to focus. Knowing this, you can stand out by demonstrating your strong communication skills.

• Network, network, network - Look for new ways to network, both inside your industry and among your peers. When you're looking for a job, many times it's more about who you know than what you know. Use social networking to your advantage and find discussion groups and blogs about your industry. Get involved and ask questions. Not only will you learn a lot, you will also get the chance to find out what is going on in your industry and even get leads on new jobs.

• Find out where the jobs are - Research the leading companies in your industry and see where they are hiring. You might have to move to a new city to land the job of your dreams.

• Don't be afraid of failing - Making mistakes can be great learning experiences and can even lead you toward new and different opportunities. Don't be afraid to take a chance and try something new. The most important thing is to keep a positive attitude and keep trying. When you fall down, admit your mistake and move on, but don't forget the lesson. All growth is good, and you have plenty of time to grow and learn.

What do you think about these tips? Do you think that new grads are struggling harder than previous generations? Let me know in the comments.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog and Beyond.com, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

Related articles

• Job Juggling? The Changing Face Of America's Workforce (manhattanjobsblog.com)
• How to Survive Moving Back In With Your Parents (manhattanjobsblog.com)
• Grad School or Get a Job? The Pro's and Con's (educationjobsiteblog.com)
• The Many Ways That Recruiters Find New Talent (phillyjobsblog.com)