Why Skills-based Career Training May be a Better Option Than a 4-year Degree

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Not all of today’s desirable jobs require a 4-year degree to qualify. Many well-paying, satisfying careers exist where potential hires have training in the skills needed to do a particular job. Positions like electrical technician, medical billing and coding specialist, pharmacy technician, business accounting specialist, and computer support specialist appeal to candidates who have earned certificates that prove their abilities to perform necessary tasks.

Recently, President Donald Trump signed an executive order stating that a college degree is no longer a requirement for employment with the federal government. Employers will give job applicants who have skills priority over those who only hold a degree without experience. This is excellent news for someone looking for a new career path. Schools such as Southern Careers Institute offer a variety of degree alternatives for those who want to get on with their careers as soon as possible. Here are a few reasons why skills-based career training may be the better option.

A Faster Path to a Career

Career acceleration is one of the main reasons students choose a training program over a college degree. Depending on the field you would like to work in, skills-based training can lead to a career in as little as one to seven months.  Students can complete most programs for jobs that require one or more certifications in 30 to 36 weeks. By the time of graduation, students are ready to sit for exams and immediately enter the job force.  

Career Training is a More Affordable Option

One downside to a 4-year college degree is that it can be expensive. University graduates can find themselves with five- or even six-figure debt before even getting their first jobs. Career training programs like the ones offered at Southern Careers Institute are much less expensive and students may qualify for financial assistance. Friendly financial aid representatives can help you see how to make training affordable. And by graduation, you will be ready to start your new career without the worry of surprise loans to repay.

Career-Focused Curriculum 

A university degree is based on a well-rounded program of study where students gain theoretical knowledge in a chosen field. Graduates are prepared to begin on-the-job training. They may also be required to earn an additional degree in a professional or master’s program. While a college degree may ultimately lead to a high paying job, it may take additional education or a year-long internship to get there.

Trade schools offer a more focused hands-on curriculum. Students learn how to do the job that they want to do.  By the time of graduation, they often have on-the-job training and are competent to do entry-level work.

Start Your Career Training Today

If you are looking for college alternatives because you have a desire to get your career started in months rather than years, contact Southern Careers Institute today at 1.833.SCI.TEXAS. We have programs in business, medical, trades, beauty, and technology available online and at our campuses in Austin, Waco, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Pharr, San Antonio-North, San Antonio-South, and Harlingen, Texas.

Our goal is to help you meet your career goals.

 

Sources:

  • https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/pages/executive-order-puts-emphasis-on-skills-over-degrees-for-federal-jobs.aspx#:~:text=A%20college%20degree%20will%20no,priority%20over%20a%20college%20degree
  • https://southerncareer.wpengine.com/programs/
  • https://southerncareer.wpengine.com/programs/

This article was published on: 07/22/20 4:00 AM

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“I made a complete career change when I started my training at Southern Careers Institute. I needed a stable career to continue providing for my growing family. SCI provided me with the medical terminology and know how that I needed to understand and acquire a career in the medical field. SCI taught me that it doesn’t matter where you are in life right now; you always have room to advance and learn.”

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Raquel S.

“Once I graduated from SCI, I had a sense of accomplishment that helped me through the job search process. SCI provided me with the opportunity to brush up on my skills, extend my accounting knowledge, and they boosted my self-confidence. I went to work two days after my last day of school.”

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Bonnie M
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“I am now a certified Lab Tech. SCI helped me get an externship, and I came out with a job. After my little sister had cancer, I knew I wanted a career in the medical field that allowed me to help others. I am happy about what I do.”

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“The best place ever!! Ms.Tonia rocks she is the best teacher… I love going to school my time there is amazing.”

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Andrea Garcia

“Southern Careers went beyond my expectations. Very impressed. The assistance I got from Career Services is truly amazing. They really went out of their way to get me placed. They really care and I am grateful to all of them.”

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Olga C.

“Southern Careers Institute totally surpassed my expectations. Once I finished school, the Career Services team helped me find a job. I would tell anyone thinking about starting career training that you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I wish I would have started my training sooner.”

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