College Not Required Career Resources Page
Not all good jobs require a college degree.
Many well-paying careers don’t need a college education. Skilled trades and non-college careers offer opportunities for financial success, often without the burden of student debt.
Start earning sooner: You can begin making money immediately, rather than waiting 4-8 years for a college degree.
Build savings early: Investing even modestly from age 18 can result in significant returns—an extra $100,000 by the time you're 64 with minimal effort.
Faster career growth: Hard work and ambition can move you into senior positions quickly, while college graduates may still be starting out.
Job prestige is rising: Skilled trades and non-college jobs have gained respect and prestige, and are often more admired today than in the past.
Focus on what matters: You’ll skip irrelevant courses like medieval history and focus on skills that apply directly to your career and goals.
The following jobs are examples we’ve researched in detail. Many related careers fit these categories (e.g., crane operators, HVAC assistants, commercial fishermen). Look around and see what people are doing where you are or in places you might want to go. Opportunities are everywhere—whether it's in Alaska, China, or your hometown. Start looking now!
THE CAREERS
Elevator Technician Career Resource Page
Description of Job: Elevator Technicians install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and other lift systems. They ensure the safety and functionality of these systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Longshoreman Career Resource Page
Description of Job: Longshoremen, also known as dockworkers or stevedores, are responsible for the loading and unloading of cargo from ships, trucks, and railcars at ports. They operate heavy machinery like cranes and forklifts, ensuring that cargo is securely loaded or offloaded. The job also includes inspecting cargo, documenting shipments, and handling hazardous materials( MegaInterview)(Maritime Page).
Police Officer Career Resource Page
Description of Job: Police officers enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and protect citizens and property. They patrol areas, investigate crimes, make arrests, and prepare reports. Officers often work in shifts, covering day and night, with duties that range from traffic stops to criminal investigations.
Electrician Career Resource Page
Description of Job: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. They work with wiring, circuit breakers, and electrical panels, ensuring systems function properly and comply with safety standards.
HVAC Technician Career Resource Page
Description of Job: HVAC Technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. These systems control indoor climates and air quality. Technicians work on both residential units and large-scale systems in commercial buildings, ensuring that HVAC systems are running efficiently and safely.