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The College will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024, for Veterans Day. No classes are scheduled.

Nontraditional Careers

When it comes to your future... Explore all the possibilities!

Network Administrator

A woman enjoys being an
information security analyst.

 

Nurse

A man finds great satisfaction
in nursing.

 

What is a Nontraditional Occupation?

The U.S. Department of Labor defines a nontraditional occupation as one in which 25 percent or less of the workforce is of one gender. In the examples above, only 24.9 percent of information security analysts are women, and only 11.4 percent of registered nurses are men.

In other words, if an occupation's workforce is predominately of one gender (75 percent or more), that occupation is considered nontraditional for the opposite or underrepresented gender.

 

 

Be open to new fields and roles you never considered before!

In reality very few jobs have actual requirements that limit employment to only women or only men. Your career choice should be based on personal interests, aptitudes and goals, not gender. Don't limit yourself!

Prepare for a Nontraditional Career at Palm Beach State

Palm Beach State College has more than 130 programs of study. Many of our programs lead to nontraditional careers. Explore options that might be right for you:

Women                      Men


Advantages of Nontraditional Careers -
Nontraditional careers offer many rewards, such as good salaries and benefits. Explore all the advantages here.

Get the Facts!  Do a reality check on some common myths about nontraditional careers.

Career Research Help

Check out these web resources to learn more about nontraditional career paths.

Want to meet program faculty and staff? Attend Information Sessions for programs that interest you.

Read about PBSC students succeeding in nontraditional careers

 

Do you see yourself in any of these fast-growing occupations?
Occupation

Projected Growth Rate
2016–2026
Median Annual Earnings
2018
Nontraditional for...

Software Developer 24% $105,590 Women
Dental Hygienist 20% $74,820 Men
Film & Video Editor or 
Camera Operator
13% $58,990

 Women

Paralegal/Legal Assistant 15% $50,940

Men

Information Security Analyst 28% $98,350

Women

Social Worker 16% $49,470

Men

Heating, A/C & Refrigeration
Mechanic/Installer
15% $47,610

Women

Registered Nurse 15% $71,730

Men

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, 2016-2026 Projections; average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.

 

Don't let gender stereotypes stop you. Consider a nontraditional career!

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