Best Places for High School Graduates to Start Their Careers in the U.S.

Growing Trend of High School Graduates Turning to Industry over College

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Lowe’s, and Walgreens are recognized as some of the top places to work for high school graduates in the United States. A recent study conducted by Harvard Business School, the Schultz Family Foundation, and the Burning Glass Institute analyzed hiring practices and internal promotion rates at 400 large U.S. companies.

Recognition for Competitive Wages and Career Growth

Walgreens, one of the companies featured in the study, expressed pride in being acknowledged for its competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for employee growth. Chipotle’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Ilene Eskenazi, emphasized the company’s commitment to employee development, with a focus on internal promotion opportunities and competitive compensation.

Top Employers for High School Graduates

Aside from Chipotle, Lowe’s, and Walgreens, other companies ranked highly for high school graduates include Best Buy, Chewy, Foot Locker, Gap, Goodyear, PNC Financial, and Starbucks. These organizations offer entry-level positions with opportunities for career advancement.

Shifting Job Market Dynamics

The job market is evolving, with an increasing number of opportunities for high school graduates. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many Americans are exploring alternative career paths. Retail careers are gaining prominence as a pathway to upward mobility, with companies like Home Depot, Dollar Tree, and Macy’s offering promising employment opportunities.

Overall, the study highlights a shifting landscape in the job market, where companies are reevaluating the necessity of bachelor’s degrees for certain positions, opening up more opportunities for high school graduates to enter and excel in various industries.