The definition of college has evolved over the years. While we often think of a four-year commitment, campus living, classroom lectures, and an expensive tuition, this perception of college is no longer the norm. Today, higher education is more accessible than ever. Career colleges are a great example of this—offering a flexible, focused pathway towards a desired career, without requiring several years in school.
If you have career goals established, and are seeking a streamlined way to break into the workforce, you might consider a career college. Let’s explore more about what this means, and what it can mean for your future.
What is a career college, exactly?
A career college is a postsecondary institution that provides skills-based, job-focused training in order to prepare students for specific roles. Most often, career colleges are considered as an alternative to the traditional college or university, and designed for students who are looking to get into the workforce or change careers fast. Career colleges offer a variety of degree, diploma, and certificate programs, with a focus on hands-on learning.
The programs found within career colleges are very specialized and practical, allowing students to build career-specific skills without committing to a large roster of liberal arts or general education courses. Career college students complete a streamlined curriculum focused on their desired industry and leave prepared to enter the workforce directly after graduation. In this way, career colleges are similar to vocational schools, technical schools, and trade schools.
Who should consider a career college?
Career colleges are an incredible option for people who have their sights set on a specific profession or industry. Additionally, career colleges are great for those who know what they want to do, and want to accomplish those goals fast, without the distraction of dorm life, undecided peers, and irrelevant, general coursework holding them back.
For example, perhaps you took time off after high school to explore your passions or jump into the workforce. You’re now entering college with a strong idea of your skill sets and interests, and know how those can apply to a desired job. But you need postsecondary education to get there.
Career college can be a great fit.
Alternatively, you might have pursued a college degree previously, but found that your major (and/or current career) no longer brings you joy. You might be seeking a career change, where certain requirements must be met, but you don’t want to invest added time or money in school.
A career college can offer a streamlined path.
Another reason to pursue a career college education is to grow in your current role. Perhaps you have been working a job for some time, but want to level-up your skills, your responsibilities, and salary potential by going back to school. A career college can help you hone job-specific skill sets more quickly than a traditional college or university.
Learn how Goodwin University can set you up for a career you love.
What are the benefits of a career college?
The benefits of a career college are vast. While the specific advantages can vary by school, the best career colleges will generally offer accessible, short-term programs and robust advising services that enable students to find and launch careers they love.
The primary benefits of a career college include:
Specialized training programs
As previously noted, career colleges are highly specialized, offering programs that prepare students for very specific career paths. In a career college, you will not be forced to fill your schedule with an excessive amount of general education, liberal arts, and irrelevant elective courses. Rather, your curriculum will be specifically tailored to your career goals. You will gain the skills, knowledge, and training needed to enter your desired profession or industry.
Hands-on learning opportunities
Career colleges are designed to prepare students for specific professions, and therefore put a great emphasis on skills training. Rather than sitting in a classroom all day, students benefit from a variety of hands-on experiences. For example, career-focused manufacturing programs will give students the opportunity to use industry equipment, machinery, and software prior to graduation day. Career-oriented healthcare programs will ensure students learn via simulation, get lab experience, and complete clinical rotations (working with real patients!) before launching their careers.
Shorter program lengths
Career college programs are generally shorter in length than traditional college commitments. And that’s not simply because of the awards offered. At a career college, you will still have the option to earn a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and even master’s degree. However, these programs are typically shorter because there are less general education classes involved. The curriculum is streamlined so that you do not need to spend added time fulfilling general prerequisites that ultimately won’t be applicable (or valuable) to your career.
Lower tuition costs
Because career colleges often are short and accelerated, and because there can be less emphasis on campus living, the cost commitment is often less than you’d find at a traditional college or university. Goodwin University, for example, is able to offer one of the lowest tuition costs among private, non-profit institutions in the state of Connecticut.
Flexibility
Many of the students enrolled in career colleges are already working part-time or full-time jobs, and either looking for a career change or looking to grow in their industry. These are often older students (over age 25), that also have families to care for and other obligations at home, posing barriers to the traditional college experience. The best career colleges understand this, offering flexibility to meet the many needs of working students. Many career-focused courses are therefore available online, during the evening hours, on weekends, and in part-time formats to ensure that every student can reach their goals, while maintaining their current responsibilities.
Comprehensive and lifelong career services
While not every career college can boast this benefit, the best schools will have an incredible career services team available to you. For example, at Goodwin University, students and alumni have access to lifelong career services such as:
- Resume building
- Cover letter writing
- Job search assistance
- Interview preparation
- Networking tips
And more!
What makes a career college different from a traditional college or university?
Career colleges are different from traditional colleges and universities in that they place an emphasis on skills-based, career-oriented training. While traditional four-year institutions will require students to complete a variety of courses, across many subjects, a career college will only require courses that will be relevant (and add value) to each student’s desired profession.
The best career colleges, however, will recognize that some general education courses are valuable. For example, some of the basic science courses, like Biology and Psychology, required in college can be fundamental for a healthcare career. Similarly, introductory mathematics courses are important for machining trades, and communication courses are valuable for any career path with an interpersonal component. Some general education courses teach valuable and versatile soft skills that employers value, so you may still come across these in your curriculum.
However, career colleges never lose sight of the end goal: They will offer specialized, streamlined training programs and unwavering career support services, to ensure that you are well-prepared for a career come graduation day.
Are career colleges accredited?
Not all career colleges are created equal. However, many are accredited. Accreditation means that a career college has met specific standards set forth by a third-party, credentialing body. Typically, these organizations ensure that colleges have robust curricula, highly-qualified faculty, high student success rates, and top-quality programs that prepare students for professional credentials, job opportunities, and the ability to pursue additional education in the future.
Goodwin University is a career-focused university accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). We offer various, accredited programs that you can explore here.
Consider a career college like Goodwin University
While it’s very common for young students to enter college undecided, a large proportion of undergraduate students have a solid idea of what they want to do before pursuing higher education. These students are often over the age of 25, have work experience under their belts, or simply have a good grasp on their interests and talents, with sights set on a specific career.
If you fall into the latter category, and are looking to take the next steps towards a career you love, a career college can help you get there. If you reside in Connecticut, Goodwin University is an incredible option for you. We offer a range of comprehensive, career-focused degree and certificate programs that are recognized and respected by employers. Through Goodwin, you can accomplish careers in healthcare, manufacturing, business, and more, without committing to years and years in school.