Some say that you learn something new everyday. But, that doesn't mean that when you're applying to work as a Toronto optometrist or to be an accountant that they are not going to want to see some sort of proof that you have what it takes to do the job. People are staying in school longer these days and one of the reasons for this is that more jobs are asking for formal training. There are a couple of different paths that you can choose when it comes to formal training and here is a little bit about each.

The most common choice is a university or college program. Formal training usually means that it is accredited in some way and that you will receive a degree or diploma upon completion. If you wanted to work in hydro excavation, for instance, the people hiring might be looking for you to have an engineering degree that focuses on mechanical or civil engineering. A doctor cannot practice medicine until they have received almost a decade of formal training through their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies. There are thousands of different schools out there offering a variety of degrees and diplomas in almost any field that you could imagine, from managing a wedding rental Burlington firm to working on oil rigs in Calgary.

For some careers you don't need a complete degree but they might like you to have taken a few courses or get some sort of accreditation. For example, if you wanted to install tankless water heaters you might need to take a few days of classes to be certified to do this type of work. Real estate agents also need to complete a course before they are allowed to join their association and can say that they have formal training. When you're looking for what you will need for your future career you should see if there is a way to get there without going to school for several years.

There are still some careers out there that don't necessarily require formal training. If you want to paint creations equal to MC Escher art then you could go to college for an art degree. But, you will find that most galleries care more about the art that you're creating rather than the degree that you have on your wall at home. Some careers require formal training and you will need to be able to prove that you have the necessary certification before you can start work. Others care more about other things and formal training might just be a way of getting the skills and experience that you need. It's your decision whether or not university is the right path for you.