You want to earn an education, however you can’t imagine the prospect of clocking in at 9 every morning and out at 5 every afternoon or a day spent chained to a computer, phone, and cubicle.
There are plenty of good prospects that don’t fit the office-computer-time clock model. Here’s a list of five great career-worthy non-office jobs for college graduates.
Cost Estimators
While cost estimators do require some desk time and good old-fashioned number crunching, it is a good alternative to a full-time desk job, as there’s also a chance to work on job sites in industries such as construction. You’ll need to talk to workers and managers out in the field as you gather data about the scope and size of the project.
Private Investigator or Security
In today’s information age, a lot of investigative work requires digging through electronic records. There’s still a considerable amount of traditional interviewing and evidence gathering in the field.
Park Ranger
As the name might suggest, a degree with an emphasis in environmental studies is rich with opportunities to work in the great outdoors. The degree may be a springboard for many parks positions, from fish and game wardens to environmental consultants. Other occupations, such as an environmental monitoring technician or conservation specialist, may be pursued by those with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. All involve ample fieldwork that will keep you out and about and away from the desk.
Coaches and Scouts
An interest in sports doesn’t have to end in the stands. An emphasis in sports and recreation management can lead to to the pursuit of a variety of exciting careers, from running a residential camp to working in professional sports. Scout out new players to evaluate their possible success at the college, amateur, or even the professional levels. Positions at playgrounds or camps also are possibilities, and you can choose the age group you’d prefer to work with, from toddlers to seniors.
Stress Management Specialist
Preventive care is a big emphasis in today’s health care system, both as a way to cut costs and to improve outcomes. A career in alternative health care is a rewarding way to avoid a traditional working schedule and make a great contribution to society as well. Consider pursuing a career as a stress management specialist, which lets you stay active while working with more people and fewer papers.
These days, more college graduates are finding ways to use their educations in active careers. Graduates with degrees in , accounting, health-related fields, and more can find rewarding alternatives to desk jobs that keep them away from the office.
Certain degree programs may not be available in all states.
Successful completion of a degree program at the University of Arizona Global Campus does not lead to licensure or certification in any state.