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Non-Traditional Career Choices |
Discover the Non-Traditional Career Opportunities
for Women and Men
It is important that all students are encouraged to develop a career plan based on their strengths and interests. Yet, people are sometimes discouraged from pursuing their dreams because certain career fields may not fit into traditional gender roles.
While today's society allows for the freedom to choose any career, there are still many areas for men and women in today's job market considered non-traditional.
NON-Traditional Career Defined
A non-traditional career is defined as one where fewer than 25% of the workforce is of your gender.
For women
Non-traditional career paths fall into a few broad categories; jobs which are laborintensive, science/technology and supervisory.
For men
These careers tend to involve education, health and service-related jobs.
Opportunities for Women and Men
While today's society allows for the freedom to choose any career, there are still many areas for men and women in today's job market considered nontraditional.
There are quite a few benefits for choosing a non-traditional career path.
- The most important benefit is pursuing your own dreams and the satisfaction of working in the field of your choice.
- Careers, which tend to be non-traditional for one gender, often experience a shortage of qualified, trained workers. Therefore, good jobs are available and skilled workers are in demand.
- Studies demonstrate that females in non-traditional careers have the potential for greater earnings than women in traditional roles.
- Working in a non-traditional career field can offer exciting options; studies show that a more diverse workforce can create a more creative and productive work environment.
NON-TRADITIONAL CAREER PATHS
MEN CAREERS
- Child Care Workers
- Cosmetologists
- Dental Assistants
- Hygienists
- Medical Assistants
- Nurses
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WOMEN CAREERS
- Airline Pilots
- Architects
- Cabinetmakers
- Construction Workers
- Carpenters
- Chefs
- Electricians
- Firefighters
- Groundskeepers
- Machinists
- Mechanics
- Printing Press Operators
- Welders
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If you are considering a non-traditional career, there are a few things you can do to make an informed decision:
Gather as much information as possible regarding the career field of your choice:
 the necessary education
the physical demands
the typical work environment
the possibilities for advancement
specialized training programs
Consult your guidance or career counselor
Speak with instructors of the program
Talk to successful people in the field
Search for job shadowing opportunities
Search for volunteer or part-time employment
in your career field
Once you have the facts you can plan for your
future, follow your dreams, and pursue a career
that really interests you.
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