Moving to a new country like Canada can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges newcomers face is figuring out what to do for work, especially if they don’t have a college or university degree. The Canadian job market can be tough right now, and it’s even more difficult for those without higher education. But here’s the good news: there are career paths you can start with only a high school education, and they offer real opportunities for long-term growth.
Two industries that stand out in this regard are banking and insurance. Both offer low barriers to entry and the chance to climb the ladder into professional, well-paying roles. Let’s dive into how each industry works and why they might be perfect for you.
1. Banking: Your First Step Into the Professional World
The banking industry might seem intimidating, especially if you assume it’s only for people with finance degrees or business diplomas. But the truth is, many Canadian banks actively hire individuals with only a high school education for entry-level positions.
Let’s take TD Bank as an example. One of the most common entry-level roles is called the Customer Experience Associate (formerly known as a teller). This job focuses mostly on customer service, helping clients with deposits, withdrawals, and basic banking needs. And here’s a major plus: these roles typically pay well above minimum wage and often come with benefits like health insurance, paid vacation, and employee perks.
Once you’re settled into the Customer Experience Associate role and gain some experience, the next natural step is the Personal Banking Associate (PBA) position. In this role, you’ll assist clients with more complex needs like personal loans and credit. It’s a big upgrade, both in responsibility and in salary (often in the range of $40,000 to $60,000 per year). You’ll also start taking courses and certifications that improve your skills and make you more competitive in the banking world.
From there, you can work your way up to become a Financial Advisor. At this level, you’ll likely need to get licensed. Don’t worry — many banks help you get certified and even pay for the training. With your license, not only will your salary increase, but you’ll become marketable to other banks and financial institutions as well.
And if you’re tired of customer-facing roles, your experience as a Financial Advisor opens doors to corporate roles within the bank. On TD’s careers page, for example, you’ll find job listings in marketing, technology, operations, and more. The best part is that you’ve already built a track record within the company. Internal candidates are often favored for these positions, giving you a serious advantage.
2. Insurance: Low Barrier to Entry, High Growth Potential
The insurance industry is another great option that’s open to individuals with only a high school diploma. Whether it’s auto, home, life, or health insurance, companies are always looking for people to help clients understand and manage their policies.
Many insurance firms will either help you get licensed or pay for your licensing fees. Once you’re licensed, you can land an entry-level job, often in customer service or sales support. Just like in banking, this is only the beginning.
As you gain experience, you can move into roles with more responsibility and higher pay. These may include underwriting, claims adjusting, and eventually corporate positions like training, product development, or risk assessment.
Insurance is a stable industry with room to grow. And because many firms prefer to promote from within, you’ll have the chance to build a long-term career even if you started at the very bottom.
Why These Industries Make Sense for Newcomers
- No college degree required: A high school diploma is often enough to get started.
- Low barrier to entry: Training is usually provided, and in many cases, companies help you get certified.
- Room to grow: These aren’t just jobs. They can turn into full-blown careers.
- Stability: Banking and insurance are essential industries that aren’t going away.
- Benefits and perks: Many positions come with health coverage, retirement plans, bonuses, and employee discounts.
Final Thoughts
As a newcomer, it’s easy to feel stuck or overwhelmed when trying to figure out your career path in Canada. But the banking and insurance industries offer a real chance to build a successful future, starting from an entry-level position and working your way up to professional and corporate roles.
All it takes is a bit of focus, a willingness to learn, and the courage to apply for that first job. From there, the sky is the limit.
If you’re not sure where to begin, visit the careers section of major banks like TD, RBC, or Scotiabank, or look into entry-level roles with insurance providers like Intact, Desjardins, or Sun Life. You might be surprised at how many doors start to open, even with just a high school education.
