# The Beginner’s Guide to Building a Successful Career without a College Degree
In today’s society, young people are often pressured to attend college in order to be successful. However, there are many professions that pay well and do not require years of traditional education. In this guide, we’ll explore some of these professions and highlight successful companies that prioritize employee training and development.
## Focus on Character, Hard Work, and Skills
According to [Ramon Ray](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/3-traits-young-people-need-succeed-life-career-ramon-ray/), CEO of Smart Hustle Media, young professionals can be successful by focusing on good character, hard work, and skills. While education can be helpful, it is not always necessary to achieve success. Many companies are starting to recognize this and are providing development opportunities for employees.
## Training Opportunities at Leading Companies
Companies such as [Zoho](https://www.zoho.com/) and [SAS](https://www.sas.com/en_us/home.html) are leading the way in employee training. Zoho University, for example, trains young professionals in software engineering and design and offers jobs to students upon graduation. Similarly, SAS offers a variety of training and development programs to help employees grow in their careers.
Other companies such as [Amazon](http://amazon.com) and [AT&T](https://www.att.com) also have training and development programs for employees. These programs often provide opportunities for individuals to learn new skills and advance within the company.
## Explore Vocational Training
For many professions, a four-year college degree is not necessary. In fact, some professions only require 1-2 years of practical training and real-world experience. This is especially true for technical fields such as engineering.
Many education programs now offer vocational training opportunities that allow individuals to work simultaneously while earning their degree. For example, individuals can pursue an [Engineering degree](https://www.auston.edu.sg/part-time-degrees-in-singapore/) while working in the field, gaining valuable experience and skills.
## Build a Profitable Company
While many founders strive to build billion-dollar companies and go public, there are many successful companies that prioritize profitability and employee well-being. Companies such as Zoho and MailChimp are privately held and maintain steady revenue without the pressure to constantly grow.
Building a company that prioritizes profitability allows for a focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance and providing a positive workplace environment for employees. By focusing on employee training and development, companies can cultivate a strong workforce and promote success within the company.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many paths to career success that do not require a traditional four-year college degree. By focusing on character, hard work, and skills, individuals can thrive in a variety of professions. Additionally, companies that prioritize training and development can foster a strong workforce and promote success within the company. By exploring vocational training and building profitable companies, individuals can achieve success while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
