Dear Bill,

You’re not alone, and many would say that you’re even in great company. Some of today’s top professionals didn’t get their college degrees, including Bill Gates and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. You don’t have to have a college education (and a burden of student loans) to be successful and have a rewarding career. Vocational training or an associate’s degree may be needed, and all jobs will require on-the-job training, but many of today’s fastest growing and recession-resistant careers don’t require a four-year degree.

In fact, out of the top 15 fastest growing jobs for 2006-1026, ten do not require a college degree according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, check out the tips below to make the most of your career, degree or not.

Do a self-assessment.
Before you launch a new career, do a little research about different career options and also about yourself. Many of today’s hottest non-degree positions include sales, education, law enforcement, construction, administration, transportation, and management. Think about who you are and what you like to do in your free time. Do you like to interact with people, or are you more technical? Are you great at organizing, or do you love working with your hands? Knowing your goals and being passionate about what you want will help you to land that first position in a new career.

Once you have a goal in mind, research the position and the industry.
When you have an idea of what you want to do and why, do a little more digging and find out what you would need to do to land a job in that field. What certificates, seminars, workshops, training, or even volunteer activities would boost your attractiveness as an applicant? Find out ways to start getting experience and knowledge that will help you get the job you want. Recent experience will be a great leg up as you start to apply.

Remember that personal qualities count.
Attitude is everything, and if you’re great to work with and are clearly happy with what you’re doing, people will want to hire you. Think about it—would you rather work with someone who dislikes their job, or with someone who is happy to be at work? Be dependable, positive and honest and you’ll be the kind of person that anyone would want to hire.

If you know what you want, have goals, and are willing to do what it takes to land your dream job, you can find a job where you will be happy and successful—with our without a degree.
Seymour