Episode: 499

Episode Title: 3 Alternatives to College

College can be a great choice to advance your career—but it’s not the only one. Here are 3 alternatives to boost your earning potential, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 499 show:

Hello and welcome to The Perna Syndicate! Though college can be a great choice for some people, there are many other viable pathways that are emerging. 

First on that list would be micro-credentials. These bite-sized qualifications demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and experience in a specific subject area or capability. In our increasingly skills-based labor market, micro-credentials are rising in importance.

Next would be certificates. These are industry-based programs to master a highly specific and/or technical skill. Maybe you have a gap you know you need to fill, a skill that would unlock a whole new set of opportunities. Industry certifications and licensures may offer the perfect chance for you to build the exact skill set you need. 

Finally, there are apprenticeships. One of the best ways to master a skill set is to work directly with someone who already has. And the best part is that you get paid while you’re learning. 

We need to get past the idea that apprenticeships are just for young workers. That’s no longer the case. Anyone interested in making a career change should look into these opportunities.

The point is, there are lots of ways to advance your skills in today’s labor market. College is just one of them, so be sure to look at all your options before you commit. 

Tomorrow on The Perna Syndicate, we’ll talk about the skills that every career requires—college degree or not. Take care and we’ll see you soon!