Everyone has the dream to work hard, go to college, and find success in the workplace. While higher education at a premier school isn’t easy or accessible to everyone, success can still be had. In fact, the beauty of a two-year or junior college is that no matter what your age, background or experience, you, too can find high paying careers with an associate degree. A bachelor’s degree at a traditional four-year university doesn’t have to be the only route to take your career to the next level. Pursuing an associate degree can be less time consuming, cheaper, and allows you to wear two hats simulataneously as a student and a professional.

Maybe you’re the kind of person who is good with your hands and applying your skills to practical situations. There are many more technically geared programs out there, and the career paths can have pretty significant payoffs in the end. For example, enrolling in a vocational school might be one idea, but you can pursue a career working as an electrical or electronic engineering technician. This role places you in any number of industries as you work alongside design and manufacturing engineers. Your specialized knowledge can certainly be of a great benefit to you in creating complicated equipment.