No College Degree? No Problem. These Careers are for You!

“I didn’t graduate college, but that doesn’t mean I’m not smart,” Emma Stone told reporters at a press conference for “The Amazing Spider-Man” in 2012. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Anne Hathaway, Ellen DeGeneres, and Tom Hanks would likely agree.

Like Emma Stone, those A-list celebrities don’t have a college diploma. Not having a degree didn’t keep them from achieving their career goals.

But what about the rest of us? Does a college degree make or break your career? Absolutely not. A degree doesn’t guarantee your success. Rest assured you have plenty of worthy career options without the fancy piece of paper. Take a look below for three great options perfect for anyone passionate about making their future on their terms.

Information Tech

When tech is your thing and gadgets are your love language, a career in the information technology department could be your perfect match.

If you have hands-on knowledge about the way computers and their systems work, companies are interested in you. They need more than “book smart” college grads — they want someone with experience. For anyone who has been tinkering with computers, ridding their neighborhood of computer problems, and has taken on plenty of side jobs — getting a foot in the door at an IT company may be the right next step for you.

Sales

Person-to-person direct sales companies, like Amway, are ideal for any motivated, extroverted individual. Amway uses a direct-selling model. This career path lets you take control and grow your business by selling Amway products. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about storing these items.

If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, this could be the right fit for you. Beginning couldn’t be easier. With Amway, Independent Business Owners (IBOs) require little start-up cash. No experience? No problem. If you are wondering how to sell Amway products, relax. Amway provides free education and training help in the form of more than 90 courses on business ownership, selling, and leadership.

While many people consider Amway a side job, your drive in large part determines how well you do. How persistent are you in achieving your goals? If you are motivated, persistent, and a natural networker, your charming self has the right skill set and potential to perform well.

Service Representative

If you love talking to people and fixing problems, your natural ability could make you a shoe-in for companies hiring support help. Companies are always looking for dependable people with a knack for listening to others and solving issues in a compassionate way.

No degree needed for this job, either. You’ll receive on-the-job training to learn the ins and outs of how a particular business works and how you’ll fit in. You might have a script to follow or a set of guidelines in case you stumble or meet up with a problem you don’t know how to handle. Some companies even offer bonuses for receiving a set amount of positive customer reviews. It’s a nice extra perk. Do well, and you can keep progressing through the ranks until you manage the whole support operation.

Achieve Your Goals

What do you want out of life? What are your skills? Where do your passions lie? Whether you look into sales, support, or information tech, these careers are a few of your many options. You keep doing you. Never let the lack of a degree hold you back from where you want to be.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.