Roughly 69.7% of high school graduates enroll in a college that same year. Choosing a career path can be daunting with so many options available. Before you apply for financial aid for your college education, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into first. This will help you create a plan for your future without wasting time and money pursuing something that isn’t a good fit. Here is the college education you will need for various fields you may be considering.
Veterinarian
If you like taking care of animals, you may consider becoming a veterinarian. To become one you will need to get a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and complete a four year Doctor of Medicine program. Once you complete all of this, you will need to obtain a license as well in order to open up your own vet clinic. Your college education courses while you’re earning your bachelor’s degree will consist of learning about animal nutrition, microbiology, equine care, and anatomy. During your Doctor of Medicine program, you’ll learn about veterinary pharmacology, surgery, diagnostic imaging, and more.
To become licensed, you’ll need to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam. This is a test featuring 360 questions that will take you around 8 hours to complete. Some states may require you to complete additional exams to prove your clinical and veterinary skills.
Swim Instructor
If you love being in the water, why not pass your swimming skills on as an instructor? You don’t need to get a college education to become one, but you’ll need to pass some classes to get certified. You can typically complete this certification process through the Red Cross. You’ll learn about safeguarding children, gain CPR skills, and learn beginner swim techniques. Once you get your swimming credentials, you’ll need to obtain general liability insurance to protect yourself from any accidents that may occur.
Supply Chain Logistics Manager
If you’re interested in the manufacturing field, you may want to become a supply chain logistics manager. This job oversees the daily operations involved in getting manufactured products into consumers and proper storage of inventory. To get a job in this field, you’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree in economics, engineering, or business.
You can also get a professional certification as well once completing your college education, but it’s not required. This certification consists of three written exams covering the foundations of effective supply management principles of leadership. Some employers may require you to get a master’s degree in order to become a manager.
Pediatrician
Earning a bachelor’s degree is the first step in becoming a pediatrician. You’ll be required to take numerous courses in organic chemistry and biology. It will be important to maintain exemplary grades if you want to be admitted into medical school after graduation to continue your path as a pediatrician. Plan to have some experience in the healthcare field as well before you submit an application to medical school. Applicants will be required to take an admissions test and pass several interviews in order to enroll.
Once you make it into medical school, your college education will consist of four years of classroom learning and lab work in physiology, neuroanatomy, and various medical sciences. In the final two years of medical school, you’ll take a hands-on approach in a clinical setting. This will help you decide what specific practice you would like to pursue your residency.
Residencies are the first employment opportunities graduates are able to obtain after completing medical school and last for approximately three years. The total time you will spend on your education will be at least 11 years before you can earn your Doctor of Medicine degree and complete your United States Medical Licensing Examination to become a practicing pediatrician.
Home Contractor
Building homes is a great way to make money. Local home builders work with other professionals such as real estate agents and architects to construct and renovate homes. The educational requirements vary for this profession. More employers are requiring bachelor’s degrees while others are satisfied with an associate’s degree and some work experience. You’ll want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in construction management.
Your college education will consist of courses in mathematics, engineering, business law, geology, and surveying. It’s a good idea to explore apprenticeships through a program offered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. You’ll get hands-on experience under the guidance of professionals. Developing software skills are critical as well. Plan to get proficient in project management software, computer-aided design software, document management software, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
While certification isn’t required, it’s a good idea to be able to present your professional experience and skills. There are a couple of options for certification. You can receive a Certified Construction Manager certificate through the Construction Management Association of America by taking a self-study course, showing relevant experience, and passing an exam. If you meet certain requirements, you can also qualify for one of the two certification options offered by the American Institute of Constructors as well. You may also need to obtain a state license through the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies depending on what state you live in.
Entrepreneur
You don’t need a college education to start your own business. However, you may want to take some courses to avoid the common entrepreneur mistakes new business owners make. You’ll need to know how to create a
business plan, conduct market research, and hire employees. You must be willing to take risks, be a self-starter, and have excellent customer service skills. Knowing how to acquire funding and marketing effectively are also crucial skills you’ll need to learn.
An associate’s degree in business management can help you in your career as an entrepreneur. The college education courses you’ll take will teach you about marketing, microeconomics, and leadership skills. If you want to take your education further, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration. With this degree, you’ll learn about finance, business management, and e-commerce.
Fire Inspector
A fire inspector is responsible for making sure that all local, state, and federal regulations are being followed in city buildings. You’re not required to have a college education but you should at least have a high school diploma and some type of formal training. If you do want to pursue a college education, you’ll learn valuable skills in communication techniques, leadership, and fire science practices that will help you to advance in your career.
You can also learn these skills through on the job training. You’ll learn how to perform a fire alarm inspection, read blueprints, and test equipment. Certification may also be required, depending on which state you live in. To receive the certification, you’ll need to take classes to help you learn about safety codes and fire prevention techniques and pass an exam.
Dentist
To become a dentist, you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree before moving onto a dental program to earn a doctoral degree in dental surgery or medicine. If you prefer working with children, you can pursue a career in pediatric dental care. During your undergraduate studies, you’ll take courses in anatomy, biology, microbiology, and chemistry. You may also have to complete a residency and pass an exam in order to be licensed in your state.
Dermatologist
The college education path to become a dermatologist is a long haul requiring at least 12 years of schooling plus two degrees. You’ll start by getting a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med where you’ll learn about biology, organic chemistry, written communications, and advanced mathematics. After you complete your undergraduate studies, you’ll be expected to take a Medical College Admission Test and pass. You’ll then complete a doctoral program over the next four years at your choice of an osteopathic or medical college.
While you’re there, you’ll learn about pharmacology, medical law, and ethics and get some hands-on experience. When you’re finished, you’ll need to complete an internship for one year followed by a dermatological residency lasting for three years. You must also pass a U.S. Medical Licensing Exam before you can practice legally in your state. All dermatologists must be certified by either the American Osteopathic Association or the American Board of Medical Specialists, depending on which path you choose.
Teacher
The education requirements to become a teacher vary depending on what state you live in. Minimally, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in education. If you plan to teach high school or college, you’ll need to have a degree in the subject you plan to teach. College teachers may be required to have an advanced graduate degree. You’ll also need to be licensed in your state and complete continuing education programs to keep your license up to date.
Lawyer
To become a lawyer, plan on spending at least seven years on your college education. You’ll first need to obtain a bachelor’s degree then spend three years in law school. When you complete law school, you’ll receive a Juris doctorate degree that’s accredited by the American Bar Association. You’ll then need to pass a bar exam as well as an ethics exam.
During law school, you’ll study civil procedures, criminal law, courtroom procedures, and other similar subjects. You’ll also need to apply for an internship or an externship to work under a licensed attorney to gain relevant work experience. Skills that you will need to be successful as a lawyer that you may not learn in law school include critical thinking, persuasion, time management, and public speaking.
The bar exam is a two-day test that typically consists of completing six essay questions that take 30 minutes each to answer as well as a series of questions regarding the specific laws of your state. You may also be required to complete an ethics exam which is a multiple-choice test that generally takes two hours to finish. Your character as a person will also be considered. After receiving your license, you’ll be required to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Accountant
If you love crunching numbers, you might want to pursue a career as an accountant. You’ll typically prepare tax forms and keep financial records for various businesses. A bachelor’s degree in an account is required as well as a Certified Public Accountant certification. You can be an accounting clerk with only a high school diploma and some on the job training.
There are certain skills you will need as an accountant. Attention to detail is extremely important as well as excellent math, analytical, and computer skills. You must also be highly organized and have good communication skills. Once you get your degree, you can choose to become self-employed, join the private sector, or gain employment through a government agency.
Airline Pilot
A college degree is not typically required to be an airline pilot, but obtaining a bachelor’s degree will increase your chances of getting hired. Some bachelor’s degree options you can choose are aviation, aeronautical engineering, or aircraft operations. Two months of ground training plus 1,500 hours of flight experience will also be required. You’ll also need a commercial pilot’s license and airline transport pilot or instrument rating certification.
To get the hours of flight experience you’ll need, you can hire a personal flight instructor. On top of the 1,500 hours of flight experience, you must complete 40 hours of instrument flying both in the air and through simulation. This proves your ability to fly through low visibility in the air. To get your license, you’ll need to pass an exam and have good vision and hearing. You may be required to take additional training and exams to advance in your career as an airline pilot.
Getting a college education opens up many doors to a better financial future. The path you choose will depend on your unique interests, budget, and desire to pursue a particular path. Be sure to research any area of interest first before you complete your enrollment application. If you’re unsure, meet with a career counselor to help you make a decision.
