It is estimated that approximately 60% of jobs are filled through networking connections as opposed to online services or traditional job-seeking methods. In the workforce today, many job seekers worry that they won’t be educated enough to get and keep a job. The truth is that even college graduates today are struggling to find something in their field. Many are struggling to find something at all, even with networking.
Finding a job the traditional way, by going to college and then entering the workforce, just isn’t as easy today as it used to be. It’s just as hard to get a job without a degree as it is with a degree in some areas today. If you don’t have a degree, here are a few fun and creative jobs you can aim for, without even having a college degree.
1. Cosmetologist
A cosmetologist is an interesting job for many, if you like people and like making things pretty. Many will say it’s not just about the pretty face though, it’s also another job that helps people in its own special way. People feel good after a visit to the cosmetologist. As many as 88% of women say their hair has a direct impact on their confidence levels. If this sounds like something you want to do, take the time to prepare yourself for the field.
You’ll have to be at least 16 years old and you need a high school diploma or a GED before you can enroll in cosmetology school. That will take approximately one year to one and a half years to complete. During that time you will complete anywhere from 1,000 to 2,300 hours of training and classroom work. Then you take your state licensing exam. From there you can start building your client lists. The money for cosmetologists is approximately $16.95 per hour.
2. Florist
A florist is an expert in many things, including product design and customer service. It’s also a $7 billion dollar industry and many employed do not have a college degree. You need to love to do it. You need to sell, they need to create, you need to tidy the shop, you need to be able to do anything inside a florist’s studio. If you like flowers or creating, and you like people, you will do well. You don’t need a high school diploma or GED for this job, but if you have one, it will be easier for you to get a job.
If you don’t have any training in interior design or horticulture, you may be able to start at entry-level in a florist’s shop and work your way up to the designer. To prepare for the job, get ahead by finding inspiration wherever you can. Examine art, fashion, and magazines, to see what contemporary flower trends are doing right now. If you land an interview, bring a design with you. With some effort, the money can reach $52 thousand a year.
3. DJ
A DJ is both a creator and an entrepreneur in their own right, and that’s why you don’t need a college degree to be one. If you had one, unless it is in business, you probably wouldn’t be able to apply those textbook skills to the field. The money is there if you work hard, and some DJs can make as much as $50 per hour, more if you market your work well.
To become a DJ, you need to love music and know at least one genre inside and out. Your job will be to provide soundtracks at parties, weddings, festivals, and bars. You also need to have the drive to be creative in the field. Many DJs today are producing music under their name so that they can remain competitive. Loving people is a good skill because you’ll be talking to them all night. Not only will you be talking to them all night, but it’s also your job to inspire them to have fun. To break into the field, put a mixtape together and then begin visiting local clubs to see if they will listen to it. You have to pound some pavement and build a following, but with passion, you’ll get the job done.
You can find creative work without a college degree if you really want to. Spend the time building your creative portfolio or resume while you are looking.