I’m a recent college freshman who can’t stand sitting at a desk. The thought of sitting in a cubicle every day for forty hours a week is horrifying to me. I’m currently undecided in my major and I’m wondering what sorts of careers are a good fit for me if I love to work with my hands. While I’m fine taking my general education courses and other pre-requisites for the rest of this semester, I do need to be able to declare a major during my sophomore year in order to graduate on time. What are a few jobs I should consider if I want to have a more active role at work once I graduate and enter the workforce?
You aren’t the only one. In this century, most people associate joining the workforce with spending a lot of time in a chair, behind a computer. Thankfully, there are many opportunities out there that could still get you on your feet. There’s no reason to pretend to enjoy doing something you hate. Here are a few ideas for careers that would keep you moving.
Woodworking and Carpentry
If you love to work with your hands, getting a job as a carpenter or in woodworking can be a great fit. Often times, your campus will have shop classes where you can learn more about different woods and tools to use and how to use them properly. The internet is another great resource for individuals interested in getting into the woodworking industry. From finding out what the best router table is to outfit your shop with to researching the art of joinery, there’s plenty of information online and on-campus if you’re interested in woodworking.
Seamstress or Tailor
If fashion is a passion of yours, becoming a tailor or seamstress could also be a good fit for you. Some college campuses have theatre departments in need of costume designers, while others have full fashion departments and even put on their own runway shows each semester. All of these majors have clear career paths post-graduation and allow you to talk hands-on classes in your undergraduate coursework as well. Plus, you’ll be able to graduate with a portfolio of your work which can help open doors for you during the job hunt.
Chef
Do you love food or find yourself spending your time watching cooking shows during your study breaks? If so, becoming a chef is a great career option. There are dozens of culinary schools throughout the country, all of which can help you build a solid cooking foundation from which to seek out jobs once you graduate. Basic topics covered during your studies include learning how a restaurant operates, the fundamentals of building flavor profiles, and other cooking techniques. You can also get work in local restaurants while you’re a student in order to build up your real-world experience and make some extra money on the side.
Massage Therapist
From offering specialized physical therapy for athletes to helping others unwind after a long work week, massage therapy can be a rewarding career regardless of the direction you take. While massage therapy isn’t always offered on campus, a business degree is a good diploma to seek out while you’re in your studies. This is because most massage therapists wind up working for themselves or starting their own business, and so having a solid understanding of how to run a company can really help you out in the long run.
Mechanic
Auto mechanics are a crucial part of the economy, helping everyday consumers and businesses diagnose problems in their vehicles and solve them. Sometimes, they also perform routine maintenance tasks, such as completing oil changes or double-checking that a vehicle’s computer system is properly configured. If you love solving different problems and have a knack for science, working to become an automotive technician could be a very fulfilling career path for you. If you receive your automotive and diesel repair certification, you can find work as an automotive mechanic even more easily, since it shows that you’ve gone the extra mile to learn the trade.
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