Finding High School Diploma Jobs in Houston?

I'm based in Houston and thinking about jumping into the workforce after high school instead of going to college. What are some decent job options here for someone with only a high school diploma?

You're off to a great start by asking this question. There are numerous opportunities with a high school diploma, and it's all about finding a field that aligns with your interests and skills. Houston's economy is diverse, which works in your favor, offering jobs in various sectors like energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality.

1. The energy sector is a significant provider of jobs in Houston, given that the city is known as the "world energy capital." Entry-level jobs in this sector, such as operations technician or field service technician, often require only a high school diploma, although some companies might offer on-the-job training.

2. Healthcare is another viable route, with numerous hospitals and clinics in Houston. Many jobs such as a medical transcriptionist, pharmacy technician, or health information technician are accessible with a high school diploma.

3. The hospitality industry has a wealth of opportunities, such as hotel operations, restaurant management, and event planning. Given Houston's thriving food scene, roles like sous chef, baker, or food service manager could be a great fit.

4. You might consider roles in education or community service, like teacher's aide positions or community outreach roles, that often require only a high school diploma, coupled with a strong interest in teaching or giving back to the community.

5. As the country's fourth-largest city, Houston has a variety of entry-level administrative jobs in corporations and government offices, like administrative assistant or customer service representative roles.

Given Houston's growing tech industry, you might also want to consider seeking out training programs to learn technical skills within these fields, often available at community colleges or online. Remember, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and certifications can significantly expand your job prospects beyond high school.

Don't hesitate to network and leverage your connections too. Whether that's your teachers, your parents' friends, or people you know already in the workforce, every bit helps. At the end of the day, it's all about finding something you love and are good at! Best of luck in your search.