The Top 10 Entry-Level Careers for New High School Graduates

Introduction: The Real-World 

When high school graduation ends and the summer begins, many high school graduates start filling out job applications and try to find their chosen career or college of choice.  For those high school graduates who choose to work, it can be a struggle to find the right position that aligns with their skills and interests.

There are many hands-on, paid training positions available, as well as vocational trades that take a year or less to complete, that can be a feasible option for many new grads.  In this article, I want to highlight some of those careers and what the requirements are for each entry-level position.

1. Patient Care Assistant. For students who have cared for their grandparents or aging family members, a patient care assistant position is perfect for them. The only main certifications needed are First Aid and CPR, a TB Skin test, and a high school diploma. The training is done on the job, and many of the positions require you to sit with the patients in homes. You take care of their basic activities of daily living, cook simple meals, and make sure they are comfortable while in your care.  Many companies offer on-the-job training without having to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant program.

2.  Fast Food Crew Member. For many students who started working at 16, becoming a fast food crew member is ideal employment.  It offers entry-level skills in customer service, being a cashier, cooking, and working on a team.  These skills are learned all at once, and you do not need a degree to start. The training is provided at the restaurant, and you are paid weekly or biweekly. If you choose to go to college or vocational trade school, there is also tuition reimbursement, or even scholarships for those who have been exceptional employees. The benefits are endless with working as a fast food crew member employee. It just takes a positive mindset to achieve your goals in whatever position you work in.

3.  Cashier.   A cashier position is a job that is plentiful. You have to be able to work well with the public, demonstrate a positive, professional attitude, and know basic mathematical skills.  A cashier can also have other responsibilities, for example, training other cashiers, becoming an assistant manager trainee, and doing inventory.  When working in retail or at a franchise store, having the ability to stay on your feet while keeping a courteous and respectful demeanor is key to being successful as a cashier.

4.  Postal Worker.  The criteria to become a postal worker or to carry mail on a mail route are basically to pass the exam and other background checks. A postal worker makes a good and substantial living, with medical benefits and other incentives, as it is a government position. Many high school graduates can go into this position knowing that if they are successful, they can have a good retirement plan and other savings to help them as they get older.

5. Cosmetologist.  In order to have a cosmetology license, you will have to earn a career certificate that takes a year or less. Then you have to sit for the Cosmoteology exam. If you already know how to be a stylist or barber, and you have a passion for beauty and creating different hairstyles, then cosmetology only takes a few hours a week, with most colleges allowing students to earn money in the lab as they go to school by actually styling customers’ hair.

6. Retail Stocker.   A stocker is a position that requires heavy lifting, standing, and being quick on your feet. When the 18-wheeler store trucks run and bring the items to retail stores, your job is to unload the trucks, scan the items in boxes, and stock them on the correct shelves inside the store.  This requires physical stamina, but can be rewarding because basically you do not have to change your work routine in most cases.

7. Call Center Customer Service Representative.   Many call center customer service representatives who help customers with account problems and ensure they are resolved are trained on the job.  These positions are entry-level, requiring minimal experience beyond a high school diploma.  The call center representative requires the employee to be positive, courteous, professional, respectful, and attentive to the customers’ needs.  They have to be able to problem solve, and if they do not know what to do immediately, they should not be afraid to ask their supervisor for assistance.

8. Daycare Aide or Babysitter.  If you like working with babies and children, a position as a daycare aide or babysitter would be perfect for a new high school graduate. Possessing a compassionate and loving care for children is essential, and being able to ensure their utmost protection and attention will help parents be able to trust you with their children. The only things required are a criminal background check, a child abuse registry application, and a first aid and CPR certification if working at a daycare facility.

9. Freelance Writer/Podcaster/Influencer.  Working online as a freelance writer for a digital newspaper that pays per article is ideal for young people who are creative. Most times, you are allowed to work on their opinion column or are given a specific assignment to write about.  You can also set up a podcast or vlog if you possess a skill you can teach online that is marketable and profitable while working from home.  Many news outlets also offer internships as well. So if you do decide to go into journalism and mass communications, a position as a freelancer will help you begin to fill your portfolio with newsworthy pieces and online vlogs that reflect your style of writing and teaching style.

10.  Construction/Welder/Automotive. Many road construction jobs require young men and women to stand and direct traffic.  This requires physical dexterity and also offers lucrative benefits for new high school graduates. Welding can also be a position for new high school graduates. If they took vocational training in school and passed the coursework with a certificate, they can go ahead and apply for jobs.  There will still be on-the-job training for welding, but knowing how to weld already is a plus.  Finally, knowing how to change oil, fix a flat tire, or change parts in a car is a great skill to possess as well.  Going into automotive mechanic work for two years or less at a community college can allow you to receive the certification while working under a licensed mechanic and getting paid.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, new high school graduates have many options for finding a job even though there is an inflated economy.  There are still very lucrative career choices they can choose from. If they do their research, it will allow them to find the right career that will enhance their lives.

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