The best way to enhance your chances of becoming hired in any company is by gaining extra skills. Many find themselves without the opportunity to back to school due to financial or time hardships. Now, more than ever before there are chances to expand the resume experience factor. Making yourself more marketable will ensure your employment, even if, you decide to strike out on your own. Remember to have fun with it too. 
The top five ways to become educated without a degree are: certification programs, seminars, internships, volunteering, and personal research.
Once you have done one or more of these, you will find yourself more competitive in the corporate ladder to success. Imagine yourself living at the top of a skyscraper and how important it makes you feel. The extra skills gained will provide that same feeling when competing against the traditional educated counterparts.
Certification
Certification programs could be Notary public classes, Microsoft programming, project management, and more. Most community education programs cover a variety of offerings, and best of all, they are usually taught by people actively in the field. Therefore, the most up to date experience will be shared. Sometimes, traditional schools hire people with past experience and their information could be outdated, so look at this as a better education experience. Typically, these take months or less to complete. These are inexpensive and financial aid is usually available.
Seminars
Seminars are presented as free or paid. Research the free ones first and see what they can offer, and then try the ones that cost. Sometimes, the free ones offer more and networking opportunities that are important to your success. However, the paid ones usually offer more specific topics and materials. Seminars can offer more real life exposure and advice than any other method. Try to go to one that provides some type of certificate of achievement as well as proof of your knowledge.
Internships
Internships can be paid or not paid. These are the hands on experiences that traditional students get involved with, but many are open to everyone with a general interest. Search on yahoo jobs, and internship search engines to find some. Also, looking through MySpace and Facebook could provide some great choices too. Internships can get you jobs, connections, and increase your field experience substantially. This is definitely a resume booster and gives credibility in an area that it may be difficult to find work in now.
Volunteering
Volunteering is usually not paid, but more and more places are offering a stipend payment for your trouble. For instance, you can volunteer to work on the election board as an inspector and earn a small check. The best thing, it is still considered volunteer work, and you get to learn about the political process. Sometimes, volunteering to be part of a company's board of directors can pay something too. The experience and the fact you uphold social responsibility will shine brightly for you.
Personal Research
Personal research is something anyone can do. For example, going to the local library could ensure that you have access to all the best search possibilities. Always start with the general background of any industry and then go to the current situation. Look for weaknesses, and see if your skills fill the need. This is the best way to see what your niche is for the market.
In conclusion, test the waters in expanding your outlook. Becoming certified and doing other learning oriented activities could influence the income situation, social circle, and overall professional happiness. These strategies can be done in a short period of time and can be free or low cost. The benefits will certainly pay off big time!
