Finding the best career path for you will greatly depend on your personality, skills, and the passions you have personally. If you are seeking complete career inspiration, there are plenty of resources available both locally and online that can help you along the way. The more familiar you are with a range of industries and potential career opportunities, the easier it will be for you to find a suitable role or position that is just right for you.
A Lawyer
If you are looking for a complete career switch, and you’ve always wanted to work in law, consider becoming a criminal defense attorney. Working as a lawyer provides many opportunities, from helping families with custody agreements to handling business and contract law. Understanding the educational requirements to become a lawyer can help you determine if the path is suitable for the type of career you envision for yourself.
Whether you intend to become a child custody attorney, a probate lawyer, or you want to work with clients who are in the process of filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree while also completing at least three years of law school to obtain your Juris Doctor degree or JD. You will then need to pass the law exam bar in the state which you intend to offer services in. Gaining experience as a lawyer can be done by applying for internships and taking on roles that involve legal work as you are working towards obtaining your degrees and legal licenses.
A Mechanic
For those who are seeking a complete career change while working with their hands, becoming a mechanic is one option, especially for those who are well-versed in how vehicles work and operate. Whether you’re interested in working independently as a mechanic or if you have a goal of opening an auto body shop, you will likely need to complete an apprenticeship or some form of on-the-job training before you are capable of doing so on your own.
Working as a mechanic does not always require a formal education. However, a high school diploma may be required depending on where you intend to work. In some cases, technical training programs and certification programs may also help increase your chances of landing the position you are most interested in once you decide to work at a local auto repair or body shop. The more training and work experience you have when working with vehicles, the easier it will be for you to find a role that pays what you are looking for at the time.
A Dentist
Becoming a dentist requires a complete career shift for those who do not have the proper formal education. Whether you are interested in working as a traditional family dentist or if you want to open a cosmetic dentistry clinic near you, the right education is essential to begin offering services in any capacity. If you have the intention of becoming a dentist, you will need to begin your journey by obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Once you have worked towards your bachelor’s degree, you will also need to obtain a DDS degree or a DMD degree in dentistry at a dental school of your choice. It is important to note that even once you have obtained your DMD or DDS degree, you will also be required to complete a state residency, which can require up to three years. Finally, you can then apply for your state Licensure, which will allow you to begin offering your dental services, whether you choose to work for another clinic or open your own.
A Construction Worker
If you’re seeking a complete career opportunity that does not require a formal university degree but one that allows you to work with tools and your hands daily, consider working in construction. Becoming a construction worker is possible if you intend to offer flooring installation and drywall solutions to residential customers near you and if you are interested in working for roofing companies as a professional roofer. If you are thinking of working in construction, the best way to do so is to obtain on-the-job training with internships and apprenticeships, depending on the type of construction work you are most interested in for yourself.
Working as a construction worker is possible with the appropriate amount of training and on-the-job experience. Depending on the type of construction work you are involved in, you can expect to earn anywhere from $38,000 without a degree to more than $75,000 with adequate training, experience, and additional construction certificates. Working in construction is possible to do so whether you prefer to work independently on your own or if you want to work for another company near you.
A Doctor
A complete career can be exciting, but it can also be daunting if you’re unsure of what to expect. If you have always wanted to become a doctor or if you simply gravitate toward the medical community, learning what is required to become a doctor is essential before determining if doing so is the right path. Whether you intend to become a doctor who specializes in digestive health treatments or if you want to provide pediatric care, there are many different steps you will need to complete before you can begin offering services to patients in any state in the US today.
To become a doctor in the United States, you will first need to take the steps to complete your bachelor’s degree. Once you have received your bachelor’s degree, you will need to apply to the medical school of your choice, where you will determine if you will be working toward obtaining a DO or an MD degree, depending on the line of work you are most interested in. After you complete medical school, you will be required to enroll in and complete a thorough residency, followed by applying for the licensing you need to begin operating in your current state.
A Caterer
If you have always had a passion for cooking or if you simply enjoy serving delicious foods to others, you can make a complete career out of your culinary skills by working as a caterer. Working as a caterer is possible by finding employment working for another company or even by creating a catering business of your own. Starting your own catering company is possible once you understand the rules and regulations required to do so based on the state you live in and intend to operate in.
Starting a catering company can be done without formal education. While there are no formal degrees required to work in catering, proper training in cooking and in the culinary arts may help you to better prepare yourself for working in the restaurant and catering industries. When you want to work in catering, you will need to consider the type of foods and cuisine you intend to serve and whether you will be providing catering for weddings, businesses, or special events.
Learning about the state requirements for launching a catering company of your own is also imperative, regardless of the type of foods you intend to sell and where you plan to operate. In many states, while you do not require a degree to own a catering company, you will need to obtain licensing to serve and cook food for others, especially in public and private locations. Obtaining proper licensing and abiding by health standards, codes, and regulations at all times is essential anytime you are planning to work in the food industry in any capacity.
Learning what is required to work and live successfully as a caterer will help you feel much more confident and comfortable once you enter the industry on your own. Becoming familiar with the laws, rules, and regulations surrounding serving food to customers is key to truly remaining successful in the food industry as a caterer. With the right resources and an understanding of what to expect, you can ensure your catering company succeeds.
A Finance Specialist
Those who have always wanted to work in finance or those who are searching for a complete career transition into working with money can do so by becoming a financial specialist. Working in finance is possible whether you plan to do so in the field of mortgage loans or if you prefer to work as a stockbroker. Anyone who is thinking of pursuing a professional career in the industry of finance will need to work toward achieving a bachelor’s degree in a financial field or another related field, such as economics or political science.
Even after you have received your bachelor’s degree in finance or another related field, you will likely need to take on an internship or another type of apprenticeship before you can begin working as a financial specialist or consultant independently. Becoming familiar with the ins and outs of the financial industry can go a long way in helping you land the position that is genuinely right for you. Working as a financial specialist, once you are qualified and licensed to do so, can generate an annual median salary of $70,000 to $89,000 or more, depending on the field you are interested in and where you intend to work in finance.
A Builder
If you’re seeking a complete career switch, and you’re typically familiar with working on computers or in a white-collar position, you may want to consider working as a builder. Working in masonry restoration or traditional construction is a great way to get hands-on training and experience that can help you build a brand-new career. If you are thinking of becoming a builder, you will want to take a bit of time to become familiar with your options and the type of work that is available near you and in the industry you may want to work in.
When it comes to working as a builder or in the line of construction, seeking an apprenticeship or an internship is highly advisable, especially if you are new to the industry altogether. You can find various internships and apprenticeships near you by networking with professionals who work as builders or in the construction industry in your city. If possible, you can also find opportunities online.
While it is not typically required to obtain a formal education to work in construction as a builder or even as a masonry expert, degrees and certifications in engineering, construction, and other vocational specialties can have a significant impact on your attempts to find suitable roles for you. Once you are familiar with what the construction industry entails and what a job as a builder will expect from you, it will be much easier for you to find positions that are ideal for the future you envision for yourself.
An Arborist
If you are someone who has always had a green thumb or if you simply enjoy spending time in nature, consider becoming an arborist. Working as an arborist is a way for you to learn more about various types of trees, plants, flowers, climates, and regions near you. If you are thinking of becoming an arborist, consider the type of work you intend to do while you are assisting clients or working for a local landscaping company.
Working as an arborist may include everything from helping a client choose trees, flowers, shrubs, and plants for their property, to assisting with forestry mulching. While a degree in arboriculture, agriculture, or in some cases, even forestry can help improve your chances of landing a position as an arborist, a degree is not typically required. More often than not, a high school diploma and on-the-job experience are typically necessary to work your way up in the industry as an arborist.
When you are searching for a complete career guide with the use of online and local resources, it’s important to keep your own goals and the type of future you see for yourself and your loved ones in the future in mind. Immersing yourself in the process of finding a new career path will also help you maintain the confidence you need to choose a suitable position that you genuinely enjoy. By taking control of your potential career opportunities and obtaining the right education, you can open plenty of new doors that will provide you with security and stability for years to come.
