Hi, I'm a junior trying to figure out my life post high school. I've been considering directly joining the workforce after graduating. Could someone share some common jobs that people can get with just a high school degree?
Absolutely, there are several paths you can take without a college degree. While some jobs do require a degree, many others value skills, experience, and eagerness to learn.
1. Trade Jobs: There's a high demand for skilled tradespeople. Electricians, welders, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and carpenters are some examples. Some of these might require an apprenticeship, vocational or technical education, but often these can be pursued post-high school at less expense than a four-year degree.
2. Sales and Customer Service: Many jobs in sales or customer service roles do not require more than a high school degree, such as retail associate positions or call center roles. Experience paired with strong communication and people skills can lead to advancement in these fields.
3. Creative Fields: If you have a particular skill or talent in a creative area like writing, graphic design, or web development, you can pursue freelance work or jobs in these fields. While some organizations might want to see a degree, many value a robust portfolio over formal education.
4. Emergency Services: Many roles in emergency services, such as becoming a police officer or firefighter, typically only require a high school diploma along with successful completion of training programs.
5. Military: The armed services could be another option. Each branch of the military has different career fields from medical, intelligence, logistical, to a frontline warrior. Many of these can lead to a civilian career post-military.
6. Administrative Roles: Entry-level administrative roles like administrative assistant or office clerk typically don't require a degree. These roles allow you to gain valuable experience and skills that can eventually lead to promotion into higher roles.
Remember, while these roles may not require a college degree, you may still need to acquire relevant experience, skills or certifications to excel. Always consider what skills you need to develop for your chosen path and seek opportunities to learn and grow.
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