25M TX- field work to office transition feels impossible without a bachelor’s. Looking for niche roles and honest perspectives?

Recently applied for a Project Specialist-type role that genuinely excited me and felt like a realistic next step given my experience. I have an associates degree and some university courses. I was rejected almost immediately, and learning more about how internal hiring works has been pretty demoralizing.

That experience sparked a lot of dissatisfaction and made me realize I need to think bigger about my options.

I’m interested in STEM-adjacent roles, analytical work, and niche careers I might not have considered. I’m not afraid of certifications or self-study, but a traditional 4-year program isn’t financially realistic for me right now.
What actually moved the needle for you when changing careers?
Any niche roles or career paths worth exploring that don’t get talked about much?