There Is A College Alternative?
What if I told you that your student can skip the 4 year college thing with it’s massive expense and still have a successful career in a field that they love? Sounds to good to be true? I thought so to. We were looking for options for my daughter who will be graduating in 2 years, and were introduced to Praxis.
Praxis combines career exploration, job experience, and education in a 9 month apprenticeship program which guarantees a job when the program is completed. What 4 year college can do that?
I wanted to learn more, and not just from their website or a brochure. I wanted first hand knowledge. Ryan is currently in the Praxis program and was kind enough to answer some questions we had for him. I wanted to share them with you to see if Praxis might be a good fit your your soon-to-be-graduate.
Praxis As A College Alternative
Why did you decide to use Praxis?
I joined Praxis because I’m passionate about my craft and creating value for others. Praxis cares about creating value too and continues to coach me in better ways to do that myself.
Did your experience with home education help with your decision?
Absolutely. Throughout my teen years, I was encouraged as part of homeschooling by my parents to pursue activities that would prepare me for my intended occupation. I explored writing, podcasting, video production, and many other interests. These all became a part of my passion for content creation and entertaining people. However, I was discouraged by concern that I might have to go through 4 years of college, unable to focus on what I loved.
Then I found out about Praxis. A program offering apprenticeship opportunities in various occupations including the one I’m passionate about! I would get the chance to continue making my education experience-based!
Did your Praxis training line up with your prior interests?
I’ll be starting my apprenticeship at a business called Autopilot very soon, and I’m already very excited. I want to go into promotional media production, and while that’s not the main focus of this company, it plays a big part.
At this business, I’ll have the chance to make a lot of exciting and creative videos and online content. Not only that, but I will gain experience in the world of marketing. Praxis is preparing me for exactly what I want to do.
How much input were you given in choosing your training or apprenticeship?
The advisors at Praxis have done a tremendous job of listening to what I’m interested in and searching for a business partner suitable to my passions and skills. Throughout the process, they’ve continued to ask what I thought of companies after the interview, what I feel I can contribute to them, and which ones I think would be the best fit.
What type of employment did you obtain after completing the program?
I am currently in the middle of the program. However, following the apprenticeship. I hope to obtain employment in my home state of Indiana as a video editor/producer for a marketing company or similar business.
Were you able to find an apprenticeship near your home?
My home state is Indiana and has been most of my life. My business partner is in San Francisco, California.
While I would have been more comfortable being close to home, this opportunity in San Francisco will take me outside my comfort zone and give me skills in finding an apartment, making my way in a big city, and many others I probably haven’t even considered. It’s a wild ride, and I’m looking forward to it!
What are the pros and cons of Praxis?
The cons are the same as any educational institution.
-It costs money
-It may/will take you outside your comfort zone
-There’s no guarantee of success.
Whether you choose to attend college, Praxis, or any other number of options, there is always a risk. That’s the con of Praxis, is that there’s a risk.
But what sets it apart from college are its pros.
Praxis costs significantly less than college, especially since you make $15 an hour at your business partner. Over the 6 months of your apprenticeship, you make back what you pay into the program.
Praxis takes you outside your comfort zone in a good way. While college takes you outside your comfort zone with rigorous studying and the requirement to learn things you don’t need to learn, Praxis takes you out of your comfort zone by placing you in the environment you need and want to be in. It can be scary moving to somewhere you’ve never been, but that’s how real life works. Finishing the Praxis writing module where you have to write a blog post every day is difficult. A challenge to be sure. Praxis prepares you for things that you have to face as part of day-to-day life and work, which is more than I can say for college.
Finally, Praxis trains you for success. You learn how to do what you love. Ideally, by the end of 6 months, you’ll be fully qualified to either continue working with your business partner, find a job elsewhere, or start your own business. With that, plus the advice you get from Praxis advisors, you’re well on your way to achieving your goals while providing value for those around you.
In a world that needs people who create value, Praxis is training me to do just that.
Why A College Alternative?
Ryan, our interviewee, created this great video explaining 3 issues of traditional college to think about.
More Praxis Apprenticeship Program Information
Visit DiscoverPraxis.com for more information on college alternatives that work.