Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Degree
Whilst getting a degree can put you ahead in many industries and jobs, and it is even a
necessity for many roles, there are high-paying jobs out there that do not require a
degree.
You may think your dream job is unattainable without a three or four-year degree program,
but in the working world today, there is an increasing emphasis on skills and experience.
You can certainly get a good job without a degree, but expect to start at the bottom of the
career ladder and work your way up.
Many people without a degree have started in junior or apprentice roles and progressed
this way.
New-Collar Jobs
Getting a foothold in this industry could involve anything from teaching yourself the ins and
outs of a specific tool, program or website, to starting out as a freelancer.
You could learn a wide range of technical skills to appeal to more generic roles or
specialize in one particular skill to target more specific jobs.
Becoming an expert in a particular tool, program or website could make you indispensable
to some companies. They might be struggling with that piece of technology or planning on
implementing it. You could be the exact member of staff they require.
Internships and apprenticeships can be great ways to get your foot in the door.
Internships are work experience placements for a specified time, anything from two weeks
to a year or two.
Be aware that some internships are unpaid or very low paid so be sure that it is a career
you want to undertake before applying.
Many apprenticeships offer a day-release system, where you would work for four days a
week and attend a college for a day of teaching.
Whilst the wage tends to be lower, you will receive invaluable training and gain a
qualification.
Many employers with apprentices choose to employ them on completion of their course,
so the apprentice gets a pay rise.
Entry-Level Jobs
They tend to be minimum wage but many companies have fast-track programs in place to
help you move up quickly.
Loyalty, perseverance and a willingness to expand on your skill set and knowledge are
highly valued traits in most organizations, so you can improve your salary frequently by
taking on new tasks and qualifications.
It is worth noting that the jobs mentioned below may not start with the average salary.
Most will require you to undergo some training or qualifications and work your way up
through the company.
The more skills you learn, the more likely you are to be put up for promotion.
However, this does take time so patience is a key skill to acquire when building a career.
1. Project Manager
Of all the roles on the list, this is probably the most varied as to what the job entails on a
day-to-day basis. Anything from planning and budgeting to overseeing could be on your
daily task list as a project manager.
The main responsibility here is to ensure each project gets completed on time and on
budget, so organizational skills are key in this role.
Project management roles span lots of industries so you could choose one that aligns with
your passions or hobbies or one that allows you to work across several industry projects.
The average salary is around $80,000 but this does depend on the industry and location
of the role.
The more high profile the projects are, the higher this figure will be.
IT project managers can expect a salary of up to $130,000 as their projects tend to require
more expertise.
2. Website Developer
Average salary: $64,000 (freelancers could earn more as they increase their client base)
If you have a knack for building and designing websites, a website developer role could
be for you.
You might already be doing this in your spare time, so why not get paid for it?
Joining a marketing agency could mean you work on a range of websites for different
companies, for a set monthly salary.
Alternatively, you might join a company and be its sole website developer, having the
main responsibility for its website.
Setting up your own business providing clients with your expertise could mean you make
even more money.
However, you would need to find your own clients and be in charge of your own tax and
insurance.
Many developers start off working for a company, honing their technical skills and soft
skills, before going it alone.
Find a Web Developer Job
3. Mechanic
Average salary: $45,000 (can increase if you specialize or start your own business)
The best route to becoming a mechanic is through an apprenticeship, which will usually
take two to three years to complete.
This will be a mixture of on-the-job training and college classes, usually on a day-release
format.
Whilst an apprenticeship wage will not be a full salary, it does allow you to learn a trade
and have your qualifications funded.
Not only will you learn the practical skills for the job, but you will also gain technical
knowledge of the industry and how to use the garage’s computer system.
4. Dental Hygienist
Both a foundation degree and a diploma require a great deal of study, but it is possible to
get student loans to help to cover the costs.
This job is just a step below a fully qualified dentist role, meaning you will be able to
perform many procedures. You may choose to work in the dental unit at a hospital or join
a practice.
As a marketing manager, you will oversee the marketing department as a whole and
work on general campaigns. You will usually be responsible for a team of marketing
assistants, sometimes freelancers.
Marketing managers tend to work on big picture projects, often project managing, and are
frequently in charge of budgeting and organizing.
Starting out in a marketing role can be exciting because you see your work come to life as
the department works together to promote a new product or service, or builds a website.
Digital skills are important here so candidates will need to brush up on their online skills,
such as social media, SEO and advertising. You can gain a marketing qualification via an
online course or night classes, or a marketing diploma at a local college.
Experience is often favored here so try setting up your own websites or work for friends
and family who own businesses.
6. Photographer
Average salary: $66,000 (can take a while to reach this if you’re freelance)
Sometimes hobbies can turn into a job, and photography is a great hobby to turn into a
career.
It can be tricky to get started, and building up a portfolio is the best way to begin. Set up a
website or social media page and present your work to the world.
You might have to start for free or for a small amount but the more experience you get, the
better your skills will become.
Volunteer to photograph school events, get your name out there to everyone you know. If
someone needs a free or cheap photographer in exchange for being able to expand your
portfolio, do it.
It could also be worth seeing if you can shadow or assist a local photographer to gain
experience and find out if the job is for you.
The more events and photoshoots you carry out, the faster you will work out which type of
photography is the most suitable career path for you. It could be weddings, live events,
studio, outdoors, portraits, landscapes, products or something else; the list really is
endless.
Doing a hobby for a job is incredibly satisfying and your passion for the job will be
reflected in your work, leading to more bookings.
Many photographers specialize but may offer additional services for a fee, such as photo
editing.
You will also need skills including organization and basic online skills to set yourself up,
but a photography course, whether it is a Level 3 qualification, a short course or night
classes, will help you to hone these basic skills.
7. Sales Manager
A common starting point is to become a member of a company sales team before working
your way up to the position of sales manager. However, in a smaller business, you could
be in charge of the sales department.
You could be working with a start-up, working from the ground up to make the business a
success. This would be a more hands-on approach to selling as you would influence
decisions from the very beginning.
If you would prefer to join an existing team, starting as a sales assistant or representative
is a lot of work but can be very rewarding.
Although a starter salary is basic, many companies offer bonuses and/or commission
aligned with profits.
It can be very rewarding to see the company grow, knowing you were a part of making
that happen.
8. Executive Assistant
No longer is an executive assistant seen as someone who merely books travel and
manages a diary. They have evolved into often being the right-hand person of executives,
which is a huge responsibility.
Many executive assistants offer general personal assistant help, such as scheduling,
taking minutes in meetings and corresponding on behalf of their boss.
This is a job for a highly organized person, as you may even be responsible for several
executives in a smaller firm.
Another route would be to set up as a virtual assistant (VA). It is exactly the same role but
done remotely.
It is often easier for an executive to hire a VA for a few hours a week if they do not need
an assistant full-time. Therefore, building your client base is a necessity.
Many VAs start off working as executive assistants within a company before going down
the self-employed route.
Many agents start by working out of an real estate office, where they could be a general
administrator or office assistant before working their way up to becoming an agent.
10. Firefighter
Whilst an incredibly risky job, becoming a firefighter is one of the most exciting jobs there
is. When not fighting fires, there is a real camaraderie within the station and crew.
Many firefighters have another job that complements their firefighting role, such as
construction, fitness coaching or manual trades.
Working your way up through the ranks requires commitment, leadership and
communication skills, as well as a certain level of physical ability.
Before getting a starter role, you will have to pass physical exams, undergo an intense
training program and pass tests such as the situational judgment test.
Development happens regularly within the department as you acquire new skills.
How to Get Started Without a Degree
Start a running list of your current skills – Think of any work experience (paid or
unpaid), volunteering and hobbies you have or have had previously.
Take online courses in industry areas – There are many cheap or even free
courses that can add qualifications or skills to your resume. This shows a potential
employer you are willing to go above and beyond to be a success in the industry and
the specific job.
Final Thoughts
Getting a job without a degree can be difficult, but it is not impossible.
Most jobs will require you to undergo some form of training course or qualification as well
as on-the-job training. However, being paid whilst learning the ropes is a great way to gain
experience.
Whether you are just leaving school, have been made redundant or simply want to try a
new career path, having a degree does not guarantee you a job.
Many employers admire hard work, dedication and other qualities over qualifications.