Going back to school is a big step for many people, but it can be an incredible way to advance your career. Even if you’re happy in your current job, an educational institution is often an ideal place to make new friends and expand your horizons, giving you the prime opportunity to reinvent yourself. But, with so many courses and diplomas available, it can be hard to know where to start in this new process. In turn, this article will discuss a range of advantageous careers and showcase how you can effectively explore the options around you.
9 Career Options for Those Looking to Go Back to School
1. Chiropractor
If you’re eager to explore the options available in the medical industry but aren’t so keen on spending years on placement, you may be better suited as a chiropractor. This technique was first established in 1895 and has continued to be one of the most prominent remedies for chronic back pain. Typically, these professionals will conduct several chiropractic adjustments along the patient’s spine, working to realign joints and muscles that have fallen out of place. Though many people visit these professionals for lower back pain issues, they also help those who have suffered strokes or other conditions like Parkinson’s disease. As such, this is a fundamental career choice for those looking to care for others, without having to work in a conventional, high-stress medical environment. Chiropractors also tend to earn very good salaries, with Coursera explaining that the median salary for this role is around $75,000. Thus, although students are expected to remain in school for around 6–8 years, the financial benefits are very lucrative.
2. Lawn and Landscape Services
Some people dread nothing more than spending the rest of their lives in an office. Instead, many workers would prefer to spend more time in the great outdoors, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. If you relate to these situations, consider finding a career in landscape design. Alongside keeping gardens expertly manicured, lawn care services also work to implement a range of additional assets such as cobbled pathways, flower arrangements, and small structures. Thus, these contractors can transform even the smallest pieces of land into a rural paradise. Though many are led to believe that landscapers only work on residential spaces, this is completely untrue. Many landscapers are equipped to work on much larger projects such as community gardens or school playgrounds. As such, not only do these professionals get to spend a lot of time in the sunshine, but they also have the potential to make a lot of difference in their local communities. Fortunately, budding landscapers have the chance to explore the options in front of them, since this career doesn’t require a formal education. Yet, many states require professionals to obtain a special license that signifies that they’re qualified to work with fertilizers. In turn, students don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on college education to succeed in their dream job. According to Talent, landscapers have the potential to earn an average of $32,175 a year, which equals to around $15.47 per hour.
3. Lawyer
There’s no denying that law is an incredibly diverse and bustling industry, but it can be hard for some students to effectively explore the options and find a jurisdiction that best suits them. For example, if you’re interested in the nuances of property law and helping others to organize their end-of-life plans, you should take the steps needed to become an estate attorney. These lawyers specialize in the transfer of assets from one party to another, particularly when an individual dies or wants to offer their assets to his heirs. They also help clients to create wills and trusts to ensure that their estate is protected and secure up until they die. To become an official estate attorney, you’ll need to earn a Juris Doctor degree. These can be found in many common law degrees, so it’s unlikely that you’ll have to enroll in a niche school for you to gain these qualifications. Many law firms advise that students gain relevant work experience throughout their degree, so you may also benefit from completing a range of internships and work placements to help you gain some vital first-hand experience. Comparably explains that the average estate attorney can expect to earn $109,325, making it a fantastic career choice for those looking to earn a decent living.
4. Welder
For those curious about aerospace, agriculture, and general construction, welding offers you the chance to explore the options and gain experience in all of these dynamic sectors. This career focuses on cutting, shaping, and joining robust materials such as steel and titanium in order to create a selection of new products. In turn, welders commonly repair immense pieces of machinery such as cars, planes, and tractors. There is a multitude of ways for students to enter this field, making it a useful option for those who want to experiment with a range of different paths. Some welding companies only require employees to have a standard high school diploma or GED, allowing them to learn the tricks of the trade as they go along. Some employers want their candidates to go to welding school so that they can achieve a unique certification from the American Welding Society (AWS). This qualification allows welders to move into more professional careers, such as becoming a radiography technician. Finally, students are free to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in welding if they wish to enjoy the typical college experience. As a result, Indeed states that welders can earn anything from $33,121 to $66,931, but the average salary sits around $47,083.
5. Professional Athlete
Many of us dream of playing our favored sport at an expert level. Whether it’s playing in the Super Bowl or scoring a hole-in-one at the Masters, learning to excel at our favorite sport takes a lot of time and determination. However, if you believe that you have the right talent and skill to make this dream a reality, consider learning how to explore the options ahead of you. There are several different ways that you can become a professional athlete, but a lot of them require you to complete lengthy stretches of athletic training. This is usually to help you perform at the best of your ability but it’s also a good way to show scouts that you’re able to put your heart and soul into your respective sport. Many prestigious colleges now offer a range of programs to help budding athletes make a name for themselves, including Sports Management and Turf Management. Therefore, sportspeople now have the chance to enjoy a typical college education without losing sight of their dreams. The Motley Fool notes that most professional athletes only take home 50%-60% of their actual salaries after paying taxes and agent fees. Yet, the source estimates that most of these athletes manage to earn an average of $362,000 to $680,000 per season.
6. Contractor
If you consider yourself a jack of all trades, you probably enjoy overseeing a lot of processes at once. This trait makes you a perfect fit as a general contractor. These workers are required to plan and manage the entire construction process, ensuring that every member of staff can complete their tasks adequately. In turn, this would be a great role for those who have previous managerial experience but are eager to use it in another industry. General contractors are also expected to have a firm understanding of health and safety, meaning that they’re responsible for protecting both their staff and passers-by from any potential hazards. Since these workers have so many responsibilities to take care of, they’re often required to obtain a license to showcase that they’re experienced enough to succeed in this role. These exams can differ from state to state but normally cover a range of crucial topics, such as HVAC systems, legal regulations, and financial security. In turn, this is a fantastic opportunity for contractors who are looking to gain a bit more stature in their respective sectors. According to Fieldwire, these workers can earn anywhere from $45,000 to $136,000 per year, with the average salary sitting at around $71,825. In turn, this could be a lucrative opportunity for those looking to explore the options and dive into a more nuanced and high-powered role.
7. Dentist
Contrary to popular belief, dentists do a lot more than just offer regular check-ups. These professionals also can conduct a wealth of life-saving treatments as well as carry out several highly sought-after cosmetic surgeries. Thus, many dentists are equipped to complete a range of different tasks, meaning that this role never becomes stale or overly boring. Despite the immense benefits surrounding this type of career, many students will have to complete a very extensive education. Alongside obtaining a standard Bachelor’s degree in dentistry, students are also expected to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) so that they can explore the options relating to dental schools. Once you’ve finally earned your doctorate in dentistry, dental surgery, or biology, you then have the prime opportunity to open your very own dental practice. Just like any other medical field, dentistry is often associated with fast-paced environments and high wages. So, according to Forbes, most dentists can earn up to $200,000, but it should also be noted that in some states this number is a lot lower, so you may have to consider relocating if you want to earn a decent living.
8. Mechanic
Whether they focus mainly on automotive repairs or extensive paint jobs, mechanics are fortunate to work in extremely dynamic and varied fields. The best thing about this type of role is that it rarely requires a formal education, so students have the chance to revel in a selection of informative internships and training programs. Not only does this suit students who don’t want to spend their time sitting in various lecture halls, but it also aids those who want to learn a series of practical life skills without being guided by a textbook. But, if you’re looking to work on a series of detailed projects, you may benefit from gaining a typical college diploma. This will allow you to work on much more intense projects, such as repairing aircraft or working on vast ships. But, if you’re happy enough to spend your day working on various cars, Zippia explains that you have the potential to earn an average of $22.67.
9. Counselor
Counselors are best recognized for working with a range of different people, most of whom are struggling with a plethora of serious issues such as drug addiction and mental illness. Therefore, with this type of career, you have the prime opportunity to explore the options available and potentially help vulnerable people learn to manage difficult emotions. Since you’ll probably be dealing with a very unstable demographic, you are expected to have at least a master’s degree in a related field such as psychology or social studies. In turn, this is an ideal vocation for students who are willing to complete a vast academic journey and want to help others battle their emotional demons. All Psychology Schools notes that the median salary for a mental health counselor is just under $50,000, making this a firm choice for empaths who are also looking to earn a higher-than-average living.
If you’re interested in going back to school, you’ll likely feel a bit overwhelmed and frustrated about all the things you have to consider. Not to mention, further education can be a very demanding and stressful experience, which can put many people off. But, many educational settings offer you the chance to upgrade both your lifestyles and careers, meaning that you’ll have the opportunity to revel in a better quality of life. Therefore, consider using the tips and tricks listed in this article the next time you decide to explore the options surrounding you and your future.
