Nontraditional Careers
Stepping Outside the Career Box
People are often "boxed" in careers based on traditional perceptions. Their career choices are made using stereotypical or gender-based influences. Most people discard the possibility of nontraditional careers because of what others think; however, there are several benefits to selecting what is considered to be a nontraditional career for your gender.
What is a Nontraditional Career?
A nontraditional career is one in which less than 25 percent of a gender is employed. For example, an engineering technician is a nontraditional career for a female, and a physical therapy assistant is a nontraditional career for a male. Women and men have the freedom to follow their own personal needs, interests, aptitudes and values toward expanded career options, with the potential for higher wages in a diversified workforce. "Stepping out of the box" and choosing a nontraditional career enhances job opportunities and reflects one's true interests and abilities.
Zane State offers degrees and training in the following nontraditional careers:
Female:
Architectural Drafting
Criminal Justice
Computerized Machine Tooling Systems
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Mechanical Design
Parks, Recreation, and Wildlife
Male:
Administrative Office Assistant
Early Childhood Education
Business Management-Human Resources
Medical Assisting
Medical Laboratory
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Paralegal
Physical Therapist Assistant
Radiologic Technology
Investigate the Nontraditional Options
Use career assessment software available in the Career & Employment Services Office.
View current reference material and job openings in the Career & Employment Services Office.
Meet with a Zane State advisor to discuss the various programs available and completion requirements.
Shadow a student in the nontraditional career that interests you.
Shadow and employee in the nontraditional career that interests you.
Meet with Zane State faculty who are in touch with current job trends, needs, and data in the field of your choice.
The Career & Employment Services Office has assembled a list of helpful websites for career resources and occupational information:
