What Jobs Can You Get Without College?
Even though we support higher education, we also recognize that a college education is not right for everybody. Some people are just not academic types, even though these people have plenty of brains. Others have family responsibilities or a lack of cash that make college impractical right now. For these people, we say use your talents and earn while you learn!
There are still some decent jobs, with career advancement potential, that you can get with a high school diploma, GED, or even if you have not finished high school. You can also see Jobs That Do Not Require A Diploma.
Note: If you have some formal training, your prospects will expand even more. For the purpose of this article, we are assuming you do not have any formal training.
What To Look For In A Job Or Career That Does Not Require A High School Diploma?
If you want to find a good career, but lack all the right certificates and diplomas hanging on your office wall, try to look for a few things.
- Some jobs still provide plenty of on the job training. You can enter at a lower level, but get trained so you move into a professional or supervisory position.
- Many high school provide career training today. You can graduate high school with a diploma, and a certificate! Even if you do not end up graduating, you may still be able to earn the certificate! You may be able to certify as an auto tech, cosmetologist, certified computer professional, food service cook or chef, machine repair person, etc. If you are still in high school, and do not think you will be attending college right away, consider a career training path.
- If you have already left high school, you should be able to qualify for financial aid to attend a technical or trade school in the same way you would qualify if you went to a college or university. This may consist of grants, low interest loans, work study, and scholarships. Schools usually will work with students to put together a package of student aid that will allow them to attend school.
- Lots of larger companies will pay for their employees to attend school in the evenings or week-ends.
Can People Really Thrive If They Do Not Finish High School?
Again, it is better to graduate high school. But if you cannot do that, you can follow the example of many others who actually found their career niche while in their high school, or older years, and did not walk down the aisle in a cap and gown. However, your own requirements for success will be the same as they would be for anybody. You have to be willing to work, present a professional image, and probably – start near the bottom.
Food Service - There are millions of food service jobs that do not require diplomas. Starting pay may be close to minimum wage, but managers are often selected out of the pool of workers. Some food service staff, like wait persons in busy and upscale restaurants, may earn more than their college graduate counterpart friends.
Retail - Again, a job in the mall will probably start out with a low wage. However, if you show up on time, let upper management know you are interested in moving up, and dress for success, you may move into their job eventually. When you interview for a job, let the hiring manager know you are interested in advancement.
Office Jobs – If you can get into the mail room of a larger company, that provides money for more education, you can earn while you learn. If college does not interest you, they may still find training in other fields they need. For example, you might consider book keeping, computer repair, etc.
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