The Motherlode Spring 2024: Women at the Helm

Careers that Don’t Require a College Degree …and Local 8 8 By Jillian Amodio, LMSW Programs to Learn More About Them

For parents of teens and young adults, concerns about your child's future might be at the forefront of your mind. Much of the focus in high school (and often even beginning in middle school) is centered on college readiness. Attending college and pursuing higher education is certainly a valuable goal; however, for many young adults, college is simply not something they are interested in. There are a variety of career paths available to those who choose not to obtain a college degree. Some career fields still require certifications, licensure, or on-the-job training, even if a degree is not required. Here are several careers to look into that do not require a college degree and some local resources where your child may learn more about this path: HOTEL CAREERS Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation offers a variety of training programs and career planning resources, including a Career Restart program, and careers in the hospitality industry. COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE Driving commercial trucks can be an exciting and lucrative career. Several area community colleges and local drive schools, such as Drive-Rite, offer training to earn a CDL. CHEF AND CULINARY ARTS : Cooking can be a passion, an art, and a lucrative career! Lincoln Culinary Institute in Columbia offers programs in Culinary Arts and Food Services and International Baking and Pastry. Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) also offers various Culinary and Pastry Arts programs.

DENTAL ASSISTING AND RADIOLOGY For those looking into a career as an entry-level dental assistant, certification programs are offered at AACC. Entry- level positions can lead to opportunities for growth. BARBER/COSMETOLOGIST/ESTHETICIAN Creativity, art, and fulfilling employment come together at places like Temple Paul Mitchel Partner School, where students Careers in real estate can be exciting and flexible. Local businesses like Kaplan Real Estate Education, 1st Choice Real Estate Academy, and Anne Arundel Community College offer area estate courses and certifications for home inspection. CASINO AND GAMING INDUSTRY CERTIFICATES can work toward state licensing requirements. REAL ESTATE SALES AND HOME INSPECTION The expansion of Maryland Casinos has provided more job opportunities. Anne Arundel Community College has a Casino Dealer School with scholarship opportunities available. CHILD CARE PROVIDER AND EARLY EDUCATION If your child enjoys working with children, they could earn a certificate in early child development or work towards state licensure through the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Childhood Education. Planning a career path can be exciting and overwhelming. If your child could use assistance and guidance in exploring career options, encourage them to speak with a guidance counselor, advisor, or career coach and attend local job fairs to get a feel for available options. Anne Arundel Community College is a fantastic resource in our area for kids who may still be deciding on a career path to explore different options.

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