Jul

31

2018

A Career in Construction: 5 Ways to Not Become a Broke College Grad

For Americans in the workforce for more than 15 years, college graduation meant a new chapter in life. Finding a new job was stressful, but most had manageable debt that was paid off within 5-10 years.

For younger Americans, that reality is different. For some, student debt is at the top of their mind – all day, and all night. Under-utilized and underpaid, many millennials and Generation Z employees just can’t see the end of the tunnel. According to the American Association of University Women’s study, 44 million borrowers in the US hold about $1.5 trillion in outstanding student loans.

American Student Loan Debt Graph

According to a recent study, women face a bigger deficit to overcome. More women go to college than men, and women tend to borrow more money to pay for it. They’re also paying it back slower. The result? Women hold two-thirds of all student debt.

We’ve covered the challenges women face in approaching construction, as well as a brand-new program to give women a chance in sheet-metal production, but there’s good news for both women and men: The trades offer an alternative to the traditional route – and experience isn’t necessary. 

College grads with debt are required to repay it, but you aren’t required to follow the same low-paying path you selected four years ago. There is money to be made in the trades.

Here are five ways you can use your degree to jumpstart your career in construction:

  • Liberal arts: On the surface, this doesn’t appear to translate well. Communication, analysis, and writing are key skills in the trades. Drawing from a wide range of lessons can help you see solutions that more narrow-minded people don’t see.
  • Accounting: A trade career means you will be working with many materials. Someone needs to count them. Can you track why a project isn’t staying on budget? Is there an alternative to that expensive metal? You can directly influence the bottom line.
  • Criminal justice: Accountants track trends through numbers. You’re better with reading situations. With a few years under your belt, a foreman, and later superintendent, career could be in your future. Also, your safety training will be a valuable asset on the jobsite. Many large corporations are looking to improve safety, and if you strike out on your own, your training could keep a business- or career-ending injury from occurring.
  • Education: People aren’t born knowing how to operate a milling machine. Someone has to teach them and you know the best way to accomplish that. You will learn safety training, usage instructions and other information, but then be able to repeat that information to coworkers.
  • Business administration and management: Someone has to run the company. After a few years learning the business, you will have the skills and knowledge needed to work in any management field.

costofcollegeandmedianincome

If you want to accelerate your growth, many companies like TD offer educational credits so you can learn while you work. Why shell out $50,000 for a degree when your company will pay for it?

Whether you’re a broke college grad or just trying not to become one, consider trade careers, and see what TD can offer you. TD has programs for women, internships for college and high school students, and ways to teach you a lifelong skill while receiving a paycheck. 

Did you learn something new? Share this blog to keep your circle informed. 

Download-Careers-Brochure-at-TDIndustries

Categories: News