5 Smart Alternatives To A 4-Year Degree

5 Smart Alternatives To A 4-Year Degree


November 15, 2019 | Eul Basa

5 Smart Alternatives To A 4-Year Degree


Most people believe that a college degree is necessary for a successful and stable future. In fact, a bachelor's degree is often the key to success for most parents and teachers. A master's is even better. But let's face the facts, shall we? A degree isn't always necessary. If you feel like you'd be wasting your time and money in college, you're not alone. A four-year degree isn't for everyone, so if you feel like traditional higher education may not be for you, consider one of these five alternatives instead.

three men sitting while using laptops and watching man beside whiteboardUnsplash/austindistel

Don't forget to check the comment section below the article for more interesting stories!

#1 Start a business

Do you have an entrepreneurial side? There's never been a better time to start a business than right now. You no longer need a storefront with expensive rent and employees. These days, just an internet connection will do. Whether you're selling goods or using a website as your online portfolio, the opportunities to launch your own business are endless. Not sure where to start? A quick Google search should unearth everything you need to know to get yourself on the road to success.

woman wearing green crew-neck blouse standing near white wooden cabinetUnsplash/bbh_singapore

Advertisement

#2 Try an apprenticeship or become an intern

Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to learn a trade under experienced professionals in an in-demand field. As an apprentice, you'll have the chance to work (literally) towards a qualification while gaining the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen industry. Programs offer the real world experience and on-the-job training needed to get the edge in the job market. Best of all, you get paid.

Internships provide you with the building blocks for your future and are typically shorter than apprenticeships. They're a great way to get exposure to the corporate world and beef up your resume, but you likely won't be doing as much hands-on experience as you would with an apprenticeship. As an intern, you'll have lots of responsibility and likely won't be paid. Still, it's a great way to gain experience—especially if you're interested in business.

man holding phone white using MacBookUnsplash/austindistel

Advertisement

#3 Get into a trade

A career in skilled trade offers the same benefits as a white-collar profession without the cost of a degree. Salaries are good, too. According to Neuvoo, the average skilled trades salary in the U.S. is $47, 622 per year. Entry-level positions start at $26,000 per year while most experienced workers make up to $80,958 per year. Another benefit of skilled labor is that your skills are not as exportable as someone who sits at a computer desk all day. You can't outsource electrical, welding or plumbing jobs. That means your skills are always in demand.

woman holding two gray handheld toolsUnsplash/jimmy2018

Advertisement

#4 Take online classes

Do you have idea of what you like but haven't yet narrowed down exactly what you want to do? Invest in a few online classes. Websites like Udemy even offer free short courses in everything from marketing to coding to anyone who wants to learn—no prerequisite required. By taking classes online, you can dip your toes in a few different industries and see what takes your fancy. Then, once you've figured out your passion, check out the online courses offered by colleges and online learning platforms. You don't need to invest four years to get a certificate in marketing or data analytics.

woman browsing on her laptopUnsplash/tranmautritam

Advertisement

#5 Consider a gap year

If you're really lost, consider taking a break from planning your future and set your sights on the horizon instead. Buy a backpack and a plane ticket and head to a country you've been wanting to travel to for a while. Who knows, you may find your passion abroad. There are a host of digital nomads, yoga teachers and English teachers all over the world. They may just be able to give you the advice you're looking for.

woman near beige painted buildingUnsplash/photoripey

Advertisement

READ MORE

airlinescovidinternal

(How) Will Airlines Survive COVID-19?

As the crisis continues, airlines are hemhorraging money. Will airlines survive this crisis? And if so, how?
January 7, 2021 Eul Basa
hospital_internal

Drama Is The Best Medicine: Doctors And Patients Reveal Their Craziest Cases

There is a reason why shows like Gray's Anatomy and ER are so addictive: Hospital drama is insane, and not just on TV—that stuff happens in real life, too.
February 10, 2021 Eul Basa
cases_internal

Move To Strike: These Lawyers' Cases Unraveled In An Instant

Courtroom cases can take months or even years to go in front of a judge. Then, in the blink of an eye, it can all unravel spectacularly.
February 10, 2021 Eul Basa
customerservice_internal

Customer Service Nightmares: These Awful Moments On The Job Had Us Cringing Hard

There's one unfortunate side of working in customer service that's just unavoidable: customers. If you've ever worked with customers, you'll relate.
March 1, 2021 Eul Basa
teachers_internal

These Cruel Teachers Are The Stuff Of Student Nightmares

While it can seem like teachers don't know much more than their students, these traumatized pupils think the story's a little more complicated.
March 1, 2021 Eul Basa
doctors_internal

Crash Cart: Doctors Reveal The Harrowing Moments They'll Never Forget

From one-in-a-million cases to deranged patients and everything in between, these doctors have shared the medical moments they will never—ever—forget.
March 1, 2021 Eul Basa


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team