If I could go back and do it again here’s what I would do. I’m in a strong union state and I was an honors student.

I would go into a trade out of high-school, carpenters, electricians, he’ll maybe plumber. Hvac pays. Anyway. I was actually a carpenter’s apprentice for a bit.

While getting my hours I would take night classes at a community college. Pittsburgh for example actually had their apprenticeship count as college classes and later you could take actual classes for construction management.

So, I would go into a trade, one that would give me hours and money and hopefully not wreck my body too much in my early 20s. Then community college for construction management and accounting. Then, try to land an office job in plant work or union work. And eventually push on to get a more specialized degree in auditing.

It’s a career path that’s non-traditional but gives you a Ton of options.

Assuming you’re not in a right to work state.