In a few months, I'll have my high school diploma, and I'm exploring job options that don't require a college degree. What kinds of jobs, besides the usual ones in retail or hospitality, are there for recent high school graduates?
Indeed, there are a number of job options for high school graduates beyond the typical realms of retail and hospitality. These can range from trade jobs, jobs requiring certifications, to corporate roles that provide on-the-job training.
Some potential career paths might look like the following:
1. Skilled trades: Many industries, like construction, automotive, or manufacturing, require skilled labor and offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships. This could involve being an electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician, roles that are always in high demand and often pay well.
2. Public safety roles: You might consider jobs in public safety, such as firefighting, police work, or emergency medical services. Some of these roles may require additional training or certification, but these can be pursued without a college degree.
3. Military service: Joining the military can provide you with a steady income, benefits, and training in a wide array of fields. Plus, it can open doors to further education or career advancement.
4. Certifications: Earning a certification in a field of interest—such as in IT (like a CompTIA A+ certification for entry-level IT jobs), in healthcare (like a Certified Nursing Assistant), or in business (like a project management or human resources certification)—can make you appealing to employers in those fields.
5. Corporate roles: Some positions in large corporations do not require a college degree and offer on-the-job training. These could be customer service roles, sales positions, or even entry-level tech jobs.
6. Entrepreneurship: If you have a unique idea and a spirit of enterprise, starting your own business could be a path as well. From landscaping to online sales, the possibilities are endless.
Remember, job availability may depend on your location and the demand for certain roles. But in many cases, these fields provide opportunities for advancement even without collegiate education. Yet, it's good to keep in mind that continuing education, whether that's earning a degree or obtaining specialized certifications, can offer further job opportunities and salary growth over time.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.