Foundation Education

02 Aug 2017

Amazing jobs you don't need a university degree for

General

These days it seems like everyone is getting a university degree. If you don’t want to spend four years studying and accruing a large debt in order to walk into an entry-level role, you have other options.

There are plenty of jobs that don’t require a university degree, and many of them have incredibly competitive pay when compared to your average Bachelor’s graduate.

There are hundreds of jobs that don’t require a university degree, but here are just eight that you can step into with a Certificate or a Diploma.

Dental Assistant

If you’re looking for a role that combines practical, hands-on work with administrative duties and other office tasks, then a job as a Dental Assistant might be right for you. Dental Assistants perform a wide range of tasks in a dental practice, from helping the dentist during procedures to managing the front desk.

There are multiple pathways to becoming a dental assistant. A HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting is the basic qualification you’ll need to learn the skills and attributes required to carry out the role. Alternatively, you can pursue a HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting, a Dental Radiography Specialisation or both.

Early Childhood Educator

Working in childcare and early childhood development can be a very rewarding career path. You’ll have a huge impact on the early lives of young people, helping to shape them into happy, productive adults.

Patience, energy and a passion for the work are core requirements for anyone entering the childcare industry. You’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with children, their parents and your coworkers. To become an Early Childhood Educator, you can study a CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

With enough time in the industry, you can work your into management roles with the possibility of owning your own childcare centre.

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Medical Receptionist

The job opportunities available to qualified medical receptionists are growing rapidly. The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing in Australia, and qualifications in this sector will go a long way towards ensuring your job security.

A medical receptionist can work in a wide range of healthcare organisations, from small general practices to large hospitals. As a medical receptionist, you’ll carry out a number of administrative and customer service duties, such as assisting patients with enquiries, appointment scheduling and general clerical duties.

Medical receptionists are an important part of any healthcare organisation. They ensure that the ship stays afloat and that medical professionals are able to continue carrying out their role without interruption. If this sounds right to you, take a look at the BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) to get the qualification you need. 

Teacher Aide

Teacher aides play a vital role in the education of school children. Whether you’re working with developmentally challenged children or assisting students who are behind in different aspects of learning, you’ll be an important factor in their ongoing development.

Teacher aides, also known as teacher assistants or learning assistants, need a high degree of sensitivity and empathy in order to relate to the students under their care. With the potential for very competitive pay and flexible working conditions, it’s a great career choice for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives. You don’t need a degree to be a teacher aide, as one of the following courses will fully qualify you for the role:

Human Resource Manager

Ever worked with a recruiter and thought “I could do that”? You can! Human resources is a hugely important aspect of our modern economy. Recruiters, hiring managers and human resources workers play a large role in attracting and retaining the best talent for businesses.

Working in human resources will give you great insight into the way organisations work and how they develop the skills of the employees within them. There are a number of career paths available to with the right qualification, and with some commitment and hard work, you could end up in a position of serious responsibility within a large company.

BSB50320 Diploma of Human Resources Management will equip you with the skills and qualifications you need to start your career.

Executive Assistant

Executive assistants can gain a level of insight into a business's operations that few other employees can ever hope to achieve. With the right qualifications, skills and attitude, you can work for some of the world’s greatest business leaders and provide a valuable contribution to their overall leadership ability.

Executive assistants are one of the more glamorous jobs that don’t require a university degree. There are enormous opportunities for anyone pursuing a career as an executive assistant, particularly if they decide to branch out into other career paths, such as management. To get started, consider earning qualifications in business:

Project Manager

Project managers play an important role in the development and execution of projects large and small. From engineering to digital transformation, your opportunities as a project manager will never be limited.

As a project manager, your role will include outlining the project scope, determining the overall budget and itemized costing, and implementing time management protocols to ensure that the project is finished on time and within budget. 

To begin your career journey as a project manager, start studying a BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management.

team meeting

Restaurant Manager

Managing a restaurant can be an incredibly challenging job. It’s physically and mentally demanding and often leaves even the most highly qualified and experienced people completely drained. However, if you can handle the heat, you can earn yourself a reputation as a highly reliable manager.

As a restaurant manager, your role will be highly varied. From bookkeeping to employee management, you’ll need to be on your toes at all times. It’s a dream job for a lot of people, but the skills and qualifications required can be a roadblock to many.

Certificate-level courses will allow you to enter the industry at a lower level and work your way up, gaining valuable experience along the way.

There are hundreds of great, fulfilling jobs that don’t require a university degree. If you’re ready to start your journey to career success, enquire now or call us on 1300 616 197 to get in touch with our Careers Advisors. We’ll discuss your needs and help you develop a plan that will get you where you need to be.

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