Nontraditional Careers

A female student doing hands-on work in the Automation for Industrial Systems program

Explore Nontraditional Careers

Don't let stereotypes keep you from considering a career that may be right for you. At Northwood Tech, several men have gone into nursing. It’s a high-paying, constantly changing job that’s in demand across the country. Women have pursued careers in construction, welding or engine repair. They’re fast-paced and diverse jobs that let you tackle a variety of tasks.

If you’re someone who is interested in trying new things and willing to separate yourself from the herd, then a nontraditional job may be just what you’re after.

 


A nontraditional career is one in which 25 percent or less of women – or men – are employed in that field. For example, only 14 percent of all working women are employed in nontraditional fields, the majority of which are blue collar or technical fields that do not require a four-year college degree.


 

There are many reasons to consider a nontraditional career. Nontraditional fields can provide excellent salaries and benefits compared to fields that are more traditionally dominated by men or women. Base your career decisions on your own interests and skills, and then get ready to turn your passion into a new career.


Nontraditional Careers for Women

Ag, Food & Natural Resources

Female student in the Ag Power program

Architecture and Construction

Information Technology

Law, Public Safety and Security

Manufacturing

Transportation & Distribution

A female truck driving student driving the semi truck

Nontraditional Careers for Men

Ag, Food and Natural Resources

Business

Finance

Health Sciences

Male student works with simulation equipment in the Nursing program

Find the Career for You

Northwood Tech staff are available to assist you in: 

- Career Exploration

- Counseling

- Finding Additional Resources and more

Call 800.243.9482 to meet with a Counselor

  • View More Resources

    • Occupational Outlook Handbook

      The Occupational Outlook Handbook explains what type of training and education is needed, earnings, expected job prospects, and what workers do on the job for 100’s of occupations. 

      U.S. Department of Labor

      The U.S. Department of Labor offers access to career opportunities, unemployment rates, and wages by occupation. 

      Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

      The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development provides access to JobNet support services, labor market information and a wealth of additional information. 

      Minnesota CAREERwise

      Minnesota Careerwise offers non-traditional career resources, assessments, and national and Minnesota-specific assistance. 

      Bureau of Labor and Statistics

      The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides extensive labor market data on women (and other worker groups) through its news releases, publications, and website.  Users have access to data on women's employment, unemployment, and earnings by industry, occupation, education, age, marital status, and other characteristics. 

      Women in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement

      Women in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement offers information about women in law enforcement, the impact of women in policing, the positive outcomes of increased diversity, and expert advice on getting started and breaking the brass ceiling.

      Closing the Gender Gap

      Closing the Gender Gap is a website that offers tips and resources for women to rise in their careers. 

      The American Assembly for Men in Nursing

      The purpose of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing is to provide a framework for nurses, as a group, to meet, to discuss, and influence factors, which affect men as nurses. 

 

Find the Career for You!

Get matched with a career that is in line with your interests. 

Take the Career Survey


Discuss your Results with a Career Specialist

Choose a Campus

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Melissa Weber

Melissa Weber

Career Specialist

715.319.7284

Contact

Megan Evans

Megan Evans

Career Specialist

715.246.1826

Contact

Megan LeMoine

Megan LeMoine

Career Specialist

715.788.7140

Contact

Kate Flug

Kate Flug

Career Specialist

715.319.7306

Contact


Chat with a Northwood Tech counselor

Get career counseling assistance. Choose a Campus.

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Counseling

Aaron Staut

Counselor

715.788.7038

Contact

New Richmond Counseling

Brian Vrtis

Counselor

715.752.8086

Contact

New Richmond Counseling

Bridget Kling

Counselor

715.246.1862

Contact

Rice Lake Counseling

Catrina Everitt

Counselor

715.788.7154

Contact

Superior Counseling

Dede Maki

Counselor

715.319.7334

Contact

Ashland Counseling

Katie Rybak

Counselor

715.319.7273

Contact

Superior Counseling

Kent Lundahl

Counselor

715.319.7333

Contact

New Richmond Counseling

Kristin Nelson

Counselor

715.246.1888

Contact

Rice Lake Counseling

Rachel Berg

Counselor

715.788.7126

Contact

Ashland Counseling

Scott Leonard

Counselor

715.685.3033

Contact

Become an Apprentice

 

Earn as you learn with Northwood Tech's apprenticeship options. 

View Apprenticeships

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.