Can you have a successful career with a trade school degree?

I'm debating between a traditional college and a trade school. How successful can you be with only a trade school degree? Are there any specific industries where it's more advantageous?

Sure, you can definitely have a thriving career with a trade school degree. Success, after all, is not solely measured by the type of degree you hold but how you leverage your skills, experiences, and passions into a fulfilling job.

Typically, trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, offer streamlined programs that focus on developing specific skills necessary for particular occupations. This could be highly beneficial if you're interested in a specific field and eager to enter the job market quickly, as you can often complete trade school programs in two years or even less, compared to the typical four years for a bachelor's degree at a traditional college.

Some jobs that typically require trade school degrees include electricians, culinary chefs, dental hygienists, radiologic technologists, paralegals, and many more. In fact, many of these professions are high-paying and in high demand.

For instance, in the technological industry, vocations like cybersecurity specialists or network technicians can be entered via trade school education. They are pretty sought-after due to the exponential increase in digital and online work environments.

Similarly, jobs in the healthcare field, such as medical sonographers, respiratory therapists, or dental hygienists, are also known to require trade school education and offer solid salaries.

One thing to remember is that unlike a typical university education, trade school focuses less on a broad education including subjects like literature, history, or philosophy and more on specific job-related skills. If you prefer a more broad-based education or aren't quite sure what career path you want to follow, a traditional college might be a better fit. But if you have a clear career goal that is linked with a specific vocation, trade school could be a highly advantageous route to take!

Your potential success really depends on your career goals, the skills you gain, and how you use those skills in your chosen profession. In many industries, practical experience and skills may matter more than the type of degree you hold. Both trade schools and traditional colleges have their own merits and can lead to successful careers depending on your personal goals and the path you choose to take.