Some people think that in order to have a good job, they need to have a college degree or some form of advanced education, but that’s not always the case. A recent study from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce found that there are more than 30 million good jobs in the United States that do not require a bachelor’s degree.
Due to recent changes in the economy, good jobs can now be found in skilled-services industries, such as health care, finance and information technology.
While these jobs do not require advanced degrees, almost all require at least some post-secondary education and training. That’s why more people are turning to their local Goodwill organizations for skills assessment, training and job search assistance, among other services. Goodwill’s training and placement programs have seen great success: In 2016, Goodwill placed more than 313,000 people into employment.
If you are considering changing career fields or re-entering the workforce, you will need to have a career plan. Creating one is often easier said than done! To make career pathing more manageable, Goodwill offers many ways to help you succeed. Below is just a sampling of how Goodwill can help:
- For anyone with access to a computer who wants to update their skills, GCFLearnFree.org, an initiative of the Goodwill Community Foundation, offers more than 750 self-paced online courses in computers, math, reading and more, that can give families a leg up when planning a career. Check out their full list of offerings in English and in Spanish.
- GoodProspects®, a virtual career navigation platform designed to help individuals build career and financial stability by progressing toward middle-skill jobs. The site includes information on careers in 11 different industries and guidance in 17 skills areas—from writing a resume to filing a tax return—plus a personalized Career Navigator, community forums, local event search and virtual mentors.
- Most Goodwills offer career centers that help develop resumes, define skill sets and help to brush up interviewing skills or optimize a LinkedIn profile.
If you need to develop skills to get a good job in the industry of your choice, check out your local Goodwill. The programs offered in your area may assist you in achieving the skills necessary to progress in your career. Regardless of your career path, having a plan is the best way to achieve your personal and professional goals.
