3 Sections in this article
High School Diploma: Overview
Jobs with a High School Diploma
Jobs without a High School Diploma
High School Diploma: Overview
A high school diploma is an evaluation degree that is awarded once an individual completes his high school learning. It is generally given after satisfactory completion of high school examinations that evaluate one’s level of understanding of the basic subjects taught in high school.
Why You Need a Diploma
A high school diploma is a must. In most countries, it is considered to be the minimum qualification. In the U.S. and many other countries, a high school diploma is the most basic level of education required for applying to higher education or getting a federal job (i.e. governmental job).
A high school diploma is the basic level of education that is put forward by law. Thus, it has now become an adulthood right of every citizen of the nation.
Job Options with a High School Diploma
What Can You Do?
As mentioned above, a high school diploma is a statutory educational level that everyone needs to attain. Once it has been acquired, an individual can pursue either higher education or a governmental job.
Highest paying jobs
There are many businesses in the private sector that accept high school diplomas as the basic level of qualification. Some of the jobs are worth pursuing because applying to entry level positions is very simple and the training required in most cases is on the job. Therefore, a high school graduate can easily fit in the following jobs:
- Travel Agent
- Laboratory Support Technician
- Rental Sales Agent
- Storeroom Attendant
- Security Officer
- Retail Worker
- Dental Assistant
- Mail Clerk
- Cosmetician
- Physical Therapy Assistants
- Order Processing Clerk
- Office Assistant
- Secretary
- Receptionist
- Guest Service Representative
- Photographer
- Driver
The annual salaries of high school graduates are between $20,000 and $30,000.
Here’s a review of two jobs:
- Cashier: As a cashier you will have to generate bills, collect cash from the customer, provide change and finally close the transaction by handing over receipts. Although no prior education is required for being a cashier, employers prefer high school graduates for full time cashier jobs.
- Cook and housekeeper: Cooks and housekeepers do not need to have much education. A high school diploma is enough. Perhaps vocational courses in cookery and housekeeping may help you further in acquiring a job with a better pay package.
Job Prospects without a High School Diploma
Although it is necessary to obtain a high school diploma in order to secure a good job or pursue higher education, it is incorrect to declare that one cannot find a job if you do not have a diploma.
There are many jobs that do not really require a high school diploma yet provide avenues for tremendous growth.
What Jobs Can You Get Without a Diploma?
Some of the fields in which you can get a job are:
- Sales: Sales is one field that does not require any degree or diploma; rather, it requires presence of mind and street smartness. Enterprise sales require specialized knowledge, but retail sales, certain FMCG’s, etc. do not require any. One can start as a mere trainee and slowly progress to a sales executive level.
- Mechanic: You can begin your career as a mechanic assistant or as a trainee across various fields such as home management, lab technician, etc.
Median annual salaries are pretty low – $18,000-$20,000.
Jobs Opportunities
A simple job search yields the following jobs for people with no high school diploma:
- Customer Service Representative
- Assistant Store Manager
- Restaurant Server
- Bartender
- Host/Hostess
- Stock Clerk
- Production Assembly
- Fast-food, food service
- Waiter/Waitress
- Retail Store Worker
- Construction Worker