Military Careers, Second Careers - Army Times

No degree? Not a problem

Just because no bachelor’s degree is on your résumé doesn’t mean you can’t find a good career.

Employers, once set on filling every position with a college grad, are changing their tunes as unemployment rates remain low — and as skilled, qualified workers emerge from training schools and associate degree programs.

“The job market has reached the level where companies are starting to dip into segments of the labor pool that sometimes get ignored,” says John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement consulting firm.

His company predicts 2007 will be the year of high-wage positions for those without degrees.

What does that mean? Demand for skilled workers will be strong, and these job-seekers may be lured with signing bonuses, better benefits and higher wages.

Take a look at a few of the many jobs you can land without a four-year degree.

Paralegal

• Job: Also called legal assistants, they help lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials and corporate meetings. They investigate the facts of cases and identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions and legal articles relevant to assigned cases. Some help prepare legal arguments.

• Training: Most have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies.

• Working conditions: About 70 percent work for law firms. Others are employed in corporate legal departments and government agencies. Most work a standard 40-hour week.

• Salary: $39,130.

Insurance sales agent

• Job: Help individuals, families and businesses choose policies that fit the needs of their lives, health and property. They may work for one company or be independent agents. They prepare reports, seek new clients and help policyholders settle claims.

• Training: Must obtain a license in the state where they plan to sell. While many companies prefer a college degree, it is not required. “Selling is about relationships. It’s not about degrees,” Challenger says.

• Working conditions: Most work a 40-hour week. Evenings and weekends may be required.

• Salary: $41,720.

Yoga instructor

• Job: The baby boomers are fueling rapid growth in the fitness industry, and yoga is a hot field, Challenger says. Yoga instructors may be found in health clubs, hospitals, studios and workplaces.

• Training: May obtain training through workshops. Programs range from a few days to more than two years. Many instructors start simply by taking yoga classes.

• Working conditions: Typically not a standard 40-hour workweek. Many work part time and evenings and weekends.

• Salary: Varies greatly depending on the place of employment. Average earnings in 2005 were $25,470.

Police officer

• Job: They have general law-enforcement duties, including regular patrols and responding to calls for service. They may direct traffic at accident scenes, investigate a burglary or give first aid to an accident victim.

• Training: Must be a U.S. citizen, at least 20 years old and meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. They must pass physical and written exams. Many go through training at an academy.

• Working conditions: Local governments employ about 80 percent. The work can be dangerous and stressful. Hours vary.

• Salary: Varies widely, but the U.S. average is $46,398, according to www.salary.com.

Interpreter

• Job: They convert one spoken language into another. Employment is most often found in hospitals, courtrooms and conference centers. But as the country becomes more diverse, workplaces for interpreters become more varied.

• Training: No universal form of certification is required in the U.S., but workers can voluntarily take tests to demonstrate proficiency.

• Working conditions: Fifteen percent are self-employed; most work part time.

• Salary: $33,620.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07