Despite news to the contrary, you may not need a four-year college education to obtain a high-paying job. Look at Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, both of whom left college to become titans of the tech world. You do gain some valuable experience while attending a university or college, but you do not have to panic if you drop out before graduation. Examine seven steps to get your professional life on track after leaving college.
1. Realize You're in Control
The best part about becoming a dropout is that you are now in control of your life. College might not represent the perfect fit for you, just like you are not the perfect fit for every company to which you apply for a position. Make choices to take control of your career even without a college education and learn some skills.
2. Learn, Learn and Learn Some More
You don't need a college education to learn. Earn an apprenticeship with a trade, read books from your local library or watch tutorials on the internet. You have tons of ways to learn new skills that employers want. Demonstrate these skills through references who can vouch for your abilities and behavior.
3. Find Your Community
You have some inkling of what professional field you want to enter, so seek out people who might serve as mentors for you. Do you admire a former high school teacher? Do you look up to a family member or friend with particular skill sets? Reach out to these people and expand your network. Up to 71 percent of HR professionals surveyed in early 2016 said that employee referrals are the best source of top talent. One of your mentors may pay off with a networking connection, so find people with whom to develop a long-lasting relationship.
4. Take Risks
Leaving a college education behind is a risk. Take other calculated risks in the future until you achieve the career of your dreams. Pursue your own interests with vigor and passion until you make money doing what you love. Consider having a mundane job while moonlighting in your chosen field until you can leave behind your boring job and fully focus on your career.
5. Complain Less, Do More
Dropping out of college was your choice, so try not to complain about your peers who chose to finish a college education and become successful. You can still make a vibrant career a top priority by making purposeful choices to improve your skills.
6. Start Over
Starting over from scratch may turn into a humbling experience for you, so take advantage of the opportunity to learn new things in a new way. You're a blank slate ready for a new career to imprint itself upon you, so take the reins, start fresh and rejuvenate your life however you see fit.
7. Stay Responsible
Dropping out of college does not mean you shirked your responsibilities. Attend classes in the school of life and give yourself grades or pass/fail marks depending on the goals you set for yourself. Write down your goals and monitor your progress as you keep moving forward towards professional bliss.
A college education is not necessary for a great career. However, you do need a motivation to constantly improve your professional life.
Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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