The ‘dream’ jobs that don’t require a university degree

With undergraduate university courses now costing up to £9,250 a year in the UK, higher education is a substantial investment.

According to The Student Loans Company, graduates in England leave uni with average debts of £44,940 – and while a degree typically means you’ll earn more, it’s no longer a surefire ticket to a comfortable salary.

For some, it may make financial sense to choose a different path, but it’s not just a compromise based on convenience; going your own way could actually lead you into your dream career.

Recent research from Jobseeker found that the three most desired jobs in the world don’t require a degree at all, so you can do work you love without getting into student debt.

Given just a quarter of UK adults are doing what they dreamed of when they were younger, the CV experts looked into the roles we covet most.

And far from a pipe dream, the winners are surprisingly within reach for anyone with the drive and talent to reach their goals, degree or not.

1. Pilot

Both in the UK and around the world, pilot was voted the most dreamy career, with upwards of 50,000 monthly searches.

The main upside of this job is the opportunity to travel the world, but the potential for earning a well above average salary no doubt helps sweeten the deal.

Despite this, though, and the fact you don’t need a degree, it does require extensive training and a number of strict safety regulations to adhere to. The hours can also be irregular, and you’ll have to undergo regular medical examinations to ensure you’re mentally and physically fit to fly.

Qualifications required: Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) as well as a significant amount of flying experience, which you’ll be expected to accrue off your own back.

Average UK salary: £42,000

2. Flight attendant

Number two on the list was also related to travel, although the requirements to become a flight attendant (and the potential wage) are somewhat reduced.

Alongside offering impeccable customer service, flight attendants have to deal with irregular shifts and time zone changes, so it isn’t suited to a homebody who likes routine.

If you can stay calm under pressure and don’t mind living out of a suitcase, however, seeing the world is a brilliant perk of the job.

Qualifications required: While not essential, candidates with a background in customer service, hospitality, or tourism, as well as those who are fluent in additional languages are most likely to be considered for this role. If you haven’t done so already, you’ll then need to complete a certified flight attendant training program, which covers emergency procedures, first aid, conflict resolution, and other relevant skills. 

Average UK salary: £26,500

Model

The world of modelling seems glamorous, particularly so for Europeans, as 25 countries throughout the continent (including in France, Germany, Italy, and Sweden) voted it their dream job.

It certainly promises fame and fortune, but it’s a highly competitive field, and one which comes with strict physical and aesthetic standards.

If it’s something you’re considering, reach out to reputable agencies for feedback, and be aware that rejection is an inevitable (albeit difficult) part of working in the industry.

Qualifications required: While no specific qualifications are needed to be a model, you’ll likely have to have certain features or physical traits. These depend on the type of modelling you wish to get into; runway models are usually at least 5ft 7in, for example, while a ‘relatable’ look is sought-after in commercial modelling.

Average UK salary: £44,501

Commenting on the findings, Jobseeker spokesperson David Overmars said: ‘There are many avenues people can take to explore a rewarding career and achieve what they want from life. The most important factors are self-motivation, setting clear goals and having an understanding of exactly what is required to break down the barriers of entry to a dream career — this will be different for everyone and university isn’t always the only answer. We believe our study on the world’s dream jobs shows just that.

‘The advice I’d give to people looking to get their foot in the door of a dream career is to focus on their application and CV. People often rely on academic successes but experience outside of education is equally important to showcase a full picture of their skills and values to help them stand out from other applicants.’

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