In preparing to scale the career ladder, job seekers are advised that the more sought-after skills they have, the better their job security and salary. While it is true that the most ‘in demand’ skills are programming/development, engineering, and financial expertise, these are not necessarily the most highly paid jobs. So, we did a little digging. We compared the average salary for vacancies that require little or no qualification (excluding previous work experience) against those that do, and the results were very exciting. Here are a few jobs that pay well but require little to no qualifications.
Coaching
The majority of the coaching vacancies in South Africa require no qualifications at all and promise an average salary of R421,000 per annum without a psychology degree. Finding new clients will be a challenge, but once you’ve made a good name for yourself you can charge a very handsome hourly rate right out the starting gate. The art of coaching requires no official psychology degree, only a dedicated work mentality, a bit of patience and a dose of good experience.
Digital Marketing
The good news for all you digital marketers out there, you require no degree or diploma to get a decent average salary of up to R720,000 per annum. While it is true that most hiring managers value some sort of Google Analytics Certification and some decent experience, they don’t specifically require any official qualification or degree. So to score big with a senior role and a hefty salary at South Africa’s digital agencies, experience speaks louder than any qualification. So, buckle down and show them what you can do.
Entrepreneurs
It is no secret that the Richard Bransons of the world did not do very well in the early states of his education. In fact, the Virgin millionaire struggled in school and dropped out at age 16. This goes to show that qualifications are not a necessary ingredient to a successful entrepreneurial career. Many of SA’s top entrepreneurs have earned the big bucks without qualifications. There are countless female entrepreneurs who run online jewelry or clothing e-commerce websites successfully from their kitchen table. This is not to say it’s an easy journey, in fact quite the opposite. It is incredibly difficult. But for those who have the ambition and courage, it can be a very fruitful career path.
Hospitality Jobs
SA’s most top-shelf restaurants hire wait staff that have little or no qualifications at all. The most employable skills are to be presentable, polite and service-orientated workers with a healthy dose of experience. Waiting is no walk in the park and hours can be tough. But securing a job at a top restaurant, the tips alone can total R40,000 a month.
Flight Attendant
What makes a great flight attendant? Certainly, a few language might be helpful for the international airlines, but no official qualification or degree is needed. Big airlines are always on the hunt presentable, polite, and hard-working flight attendants. Despite the long shifts, what’s not to love about a job that sends you all over the world? Plus, these jobs boast a healthy salary too!
Wrapping Up
This list demonstrates that a lack of qualifications doesn’t have to keep you stuck. Experience and perseverance are just as valuable and sought after but some of SA’s hot shot employers. However, it is all about how you present yourself and your unique value in your resume. To get good money in today’s economy, you still have to convince employers that you’re the best candidate for the job.