Whether you’re taking a gap year before pursuing higher education or simply looking for a job fresh out of high school, job hunting can be a bit daunting. Joining the workforce with a well-paying and fulfilling job doesn’t always require a degree of higher education. Below, we are going to take a look at the best jobs for people with a high school diploma. So without further ado, let the search begin!
Before the Job Search…
Before you start digging into your job search, there are a few questions that you should ask yourself. You should take some time to think about the kind of job you want and what kind of job aligns with your interests, personality, and skillset. If you don’t have a lot of on-the-job experience, think about the kind of experience you do have, whether mental or physical.
For example: are you good with problem-solving? Are you a team player? What was your role in group projects during school? Are you good with deadlines, or do you prefer setting your schedule? Do you like to work with your hands? Are you good with technology and computers? How fast of a learner are you?
These are all excellent questions to ask yourself before you jump into applying for jobs. Now, let’s take a look at some of the best jobs for high school graduates.
Customer Service Representative
Usually working in an office of some kind, a customer service rep is a person who handles all of the customer interactions, whether they be positive or negative, through phone, email, or even messenger. Their job is to solve problems and work with customers within the company.
A job like this usually doesn’t require prior experience, and many offer on-the-job training for their specific computer systems. If you’re good with people, have a lot of empathy and patience, and don’t mind talking on the phone, then this job is perfect for you.
Flight Attendant
If you’re fresh out of high school and want to travel all over the world, then you may want to take a look at any nearby airlines and see if they’re hiring for a flight attendant. Flight attendants help guests enter and exit the plane, give the safety instructions at the beginning of each flight, and serve food and drinks to passengers in the air.
Flight attendants must be personable, patient, and empathetic, especially for those passengers who are nervous in the air. However, all airlines provide on-the-job training for flight attendants, so you won’t need a degree to get this job.
Chef or Cook
Have you spent a lot of time in the kitchen? Do you love making up recipes or trying something new? Then maybe it’s time to go down to your favorite restaurant and see if they’re looking for someone to work in the kitchen. Some chefs take the time to go to culinary school, but if you have the tenacity and experience in the kitchen, then it’s definitely not needed.
Cooks and chefs often learn by working at different restaurants rather than formerly going to school. This job isn’t for the faint-hearted. Restaurants require face-paced workers who don’t mind long hours and can handle customer feedback. However, the job security is phenomenal: everyone has to eat!
Community Service Jobs
Service work through social organizations can be a great way to connect with your community and give back after high school. If you’re good at working with people and love being a team player, then take the time to look up some local nonprofits in your town or city. These jobs can range from working with kids at the Boys and Girls Club to running a community kitchen.
Nonprofit and grassroots organizations are one of the best ways to find out what’s happening in your community and to help your neighborhood grow. Most of these jobs don’t require further education and can be done with a good attitude and a high school diploma.
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents and brokers do require a license, but they don’t require a college degree, making it a perfect job for high school graduates. This kind of job is great for personable people who can talk a fish into buying water. And depending on how good you are, they can also make a lot of money.
You’ll need to complete some hours of study, as well as pass a written exam. But after all that is said and done, you’ll be able to find a mentor and do some on-the-job training. The best part about that, though, is you’ll be getting paid while you learn how to sell and buy houses.
Police Officer
If you want to serve and protect your community, you may want to think about becoming a police officer. Depending on how high you want to go in the job, you may eventually want to think about pursuing further education. However, an entry-level job as a police officer requires nothing more than high school education.
After being accepted, you’ll attend a training academy where you’ll have to undergo some rigorous physical tests, as well as classroom training where you learn about state, local, civil, and constitutional law. If you think you have the physical and mental strength it takes to be a police officer, then this job is for you.
Conclusion
Getting a good, well-paying job doesn’t always require a degree. There are plenty of fulfilling and enjoyable jobs that you can get straight out of high school. However, make sure you’re not just in it for the money. Having a job that aligns with your skills, personality, and interests is just as important as having a job that pays you well!
These are some of the best jobs that one can get straight out of high school without any qualifications. Whether you’re waiting to pursue higher education or you’re just looking to enter the workforce and provide for yourself, these jobs are ready and waiting for you. Good luck!