Alternate Career Routes

You may be thinking that college isn't for you or that you'd like to get into a career right out of high school. If so, explore the web sites below for other pathways to careers.

Apprenticeship Programs

You think you want to work but need training?  An apprenticeship may be perfect for you! An Apprenticeship is a relationship between an employer and an employee during which the employee, or apprentice, learns a highly skilled occupation. The programs consist of a combination of both classroom and on the job training. It can last from 1 to 6 years, with an average of 4 years. There is generally about 2,000 hours of on the job training (work) and 140 hours of classroom training. A sponsor, who can be an individual employer or an association of employers, operates the apprentice training programs on a voluntary basis. 

• Apprenticeship Information
• Apprenticeship Programs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  Part of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's website, this section provides you with a definition of what apprenticeships are and information about apprenticeship programs and opportunities in the State.
• NJ Place
  As a current or former apprentice in a participating NJ building and construction trades union, you may be eligible to apply apprenticeship training towards a college degree. To qualify, you must currently be enrolled in, or have recently completed apprenticeship training in one of the participating NJ building and construction trades unions.  Part of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's website, this section provides you with a definition of what apprenticeships are and information about apprenticeship programs and opportunities in the State. It includes a contact listing for apprenticeship programs by county.

Military Careers

Think the service may be for you? There are plenty of options - different branches and numerous jobs within each one!  Remember, most branches offer fulltime as well as reserve duty. Search the sites below to find your perfect fit.

• Military Career Guide
  Explore careers in the Military with job descriptions, which include information on daily activities, skill requirements, salary and training required.  To learn more about the Military, follow the related links on the web site for the career descriptions section.
• Today's Military
  This web site allows you to browse different military occupational specialties (MOS) and view video clips of some specific careers.

For the individual military branches, check out:

www.GoArmy.com
www.Marines.com
www.Navy.com
www.airforce.com
www.uscg.mil
www.nationalguard.com

ARE YOU A VETERAN?  A Military Occupational Classification (MOC) crosswalk has been updated (over 10,000 occupations) by the Department of Defense and incorporated into O*Net online and My Next Move for Veterans.  Transitioning military personnel can use their military code or title to discover related civilian occupations/careers within O*Net Online's Military Crosswalk Search http://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/MOC or at My Next Move for Veterans site: http://www.mynextmove.org/vets/find/military (Source: Washington Workforce Development News, May 30, 2012)

Internships

Want to try out a job to see what it is like? An internship may be for you!
Internships can be part time, full time, paid or unpaid. Check the links below to help you find one you like:

• Quintessential Careers
  How to Find Your Ideal Internship - Lots of good information and tips on finding your perfect internship.
• Finding Internships
  The College Board’s Guide to Finding an Internship - Includes links to several internship search sites.
• Summer Job Tips
  Top Tips for Getting an Internship or Summer Job
• Getting An Internship
  A Guide for Students Looking for an Internship - Although this presentation is geared toward students who want an internship with an advertising agency, many of the ideas and tips apply to all occupations.

Job Shadowing

Before you start your own ‘world of work’, you may want to do some job shadowing to find out first hand what you like/don’t like about work. Job Shadowing can help give you that experience. Check these out!

• Quintessential Careers - Job Shadowing
  Research Companies and Careers Through Job Shadowing - This article describes how to find and get the most from a job shadow experience. It includes a sample letter requesting a shadow and a list of questions to ask.
• Job Shadowing Tips
  Job Shadowing Tips - Includes good information on how to prepare for a job shadow.