I'm graduating soon and planning on entering the workforce right after. Can anyone suggest a list of career paths that only require a high school diploma, but offer decent pay and growth opportunities?
Indeed, there are many career paths that primarily require a high school diploma and can provide decent pay along with growth opportunities.
1. Trade Jobs: These are skill-based jobs that usually require some form of training but not a degree. You can work as an electrician, welder, or HVAC technician. These jobs usually require formal apprenticeship or vocational training, but they can be quite lucrative in the long run.
2. Sales and Customer Service: Many sales roles (like retail salesperson, insurance sales agent) require only a high school diploma. Often, these roles include commission-based pay, which can potentially lead to a well-paying job if you're good at it.
3. Real Estate: Although you'll need a real estate license, this field doesn't usually require an advanced degree.
4. Administrative Support: Jobs such as office clerks, executive assistants, or data entry personnel often do not require more than a high school diploma.
5. Accuracy Verification Jobs: Jobs like pharmacy technicians, bill and account collectors, or aircraft cargo handling supervisors are also options.
6. Transportation and Material Moving: Positions like subway and streetcar operators, transportation inspectors, or blue-collar jobs in the logistics industry can have solid earning potential.
7. Protective Services: Careers in law enforcement, security, firefighting, or as a correctional officer typically require a high school diploma, though additional training is often necessary.
8. Management Positions: Though often requiring some experience in the field, general and operations manager positions may not call for academic qualifications beyond a diploma.
9. Culinary Industry: The restaurant industry has many positions, like chef, baker, or food and beverage manager, where what’s truly important is your culinary skill and passion rather than formal education.
These are just a few examples. Certain careers might require some form of training, certification, or experience, but a high school diploma is often enough to get started. You should also consider that oftentimes, careers with upward mobility might require further certification or education down the line.
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