Non-Traditional Careers

Why non-traditional?

NTO careers can mean …

  • Higher Wages
  • Financial Security
  • Good Benefits
  • Demand for Skilled Workers
  • Opportunities for Advancement
  • Freedom to Pursue Careers Related to Interests and Abilities

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Most STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) fields are dominated by men. That makes these fields an excellent career choice for women!

 

Nursing Programs: 9 in 10 Nurses Are Women, But Men In The Profession Have Higher Salaries

Consider a non-traditional occupation

A non-traditional occupation is defined as any occupation in which women or men comprise less than 25% of the workforce. Today, many women and men are breaking down barriers to pursue careers.

Entering a non-traditional occupation (NTO) can be rewarding. You have the potential to:

  • earn a great salary
  • fulfill a personal dream
  • enjoy a career doing something you love

Entering an NTO can also be challenging. You may not have:

  • a mentor within your profession
  • support from friends or family
  • support from coworkers

Choosing a non-traditional Career

Aleris Gonzalez is the NTO Student Career Senior Advisor at Hostos Community College. She can offer support, advice and resources while you are exploring or enrolled in a non-traditional program at Hostos Community College.

Netprogram.org
 

Thinking about — or already in — a nontraditional career? Need information or support? There are plenty of resources and organizations that can help.

National Organizations

U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau
Seeks to improve the status of wage-earning women and their working conditions, increase their efficiency, and advance their opportunities for profitable employment. It offers up-to-date statistics on women in nontraditional fields.

Wider Opportunity for Women
Supports women working in nontraditional fields. It also includes a unit that focuses on self-sufficiency for older working women.

Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW)
Unifies union women, identifies their common problems, and find solutions to those problems.

9 to 5, National Association of Working Women
Focuses on advancing and protecting women's rights at work. This site offers resources to help women deal with sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, work-family balance, and more.

Men Teach
Provides data and resources for men considering a career in teaching.

Association for Women in Science
Focuses on advocacy and breaking down barriers for women in science. Visit this site to find resources, mentoring, awards, internships, and job listings.

National Association of Women in Construction
Strives to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

Association for Women in Mathematics
Provides a clearinghouse of information for women in math-related fields, including scholarship and fellowship opportunities.

Engineer Girl
Helps girls considering a career in engineering. Be sure to check out the "Ask an Engineer" feature.

This program is made possible with funds from the Carl D. Perkins IV Career and Technical Education Program