As I'm nearing my high school graduation, I'm curious about entry-level positions available for fresh high school grads. What kinds of jobs should I be looking at, especially if I'm not planning on going to college right away?
You have a number of options depending on your interests, skills, and ultimate career goals. Here's a mix of jobs that you might consider across various industries:
1. Customer Service Representative: These positions involve handling customer inquiries and complaints, primarily by phone, but also via email, live chat, and social media. They're available in many different industries—from retail to banking.
2. Administrative Assistant: This job involves the coordination of office functions and procedures, and ensuring smooth operations within a business setting. You'll need strong organizational skills and comfort with computers.
3. Retail Associate: Retail jobs can be a good stepping stone, giving you experience in customer service and sales. Some companies even offer tuition assistance for employees who later decide to pursue higher education.
4. Hospitality Worker: This can range from restaurant work (as a server, host, or cook) to hotel positions (such as front desk staff or housekeeping). This sector often has flexible scheduling and opportunities for advancement.
5. Sales Representative: Many companies, especially those in tech industries, hire entry level sales reps. Employees often get a base salary plus commission, so motivation and a go-getter attitude can seriously pay off.
6. Construction Laborer: If you're physically strong and enjoy working outdoors, consider jobs in construction. You might start out as a laborer with on-the-job training and later advance to more specialized work.
7. Home Health Aide: If you're interested in healthcare but don't have the relevant degree, becoming a home health aide might be a right fit. You'll support patients in their homes by assisting with daily tasks.
Remember to consider longer-term prospects for any job you're considering—is there room for advancement? Can you make a career out of it if you decide to skip college entirely? And importantly, do you enjoy this line of work? Spending some time addressing these points will help to guide you to satisfying employment after graduation.
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.