Smart young man, not academically inclined, needs to choose a vocation. What line of work has good potential right now?

Let’s call him Gene.

He’s 23, physically strong, healthy, and of exceptionally high IQ, but he’s just not cut out for academic schoolwork and never has been. It’s time to give that idea up and look for training in a field that has some promise even in down times such as the present. Any recommendations?

These are some of his traits and abilities:

— great intuitive sense of what makes things (and people) tick—he sees the inner workings of things
— capacity for hard work and willingness to go to extra lengths to do a good job
— willingness and ability to take the lead when necessary
— sense of fair play
— personal integrity
— well-spoken; superior writing and speech abilities
— good manual dexterity
— good sense of structure and relationships
— creative problem-solving skills
— excellent memory
— untrained musical ability
— attractive appearance and scrupulous personal hygiene
— sensitivity to others’ feelings and motivations

On the down side:

— not strong in math
— tendency to give up easily if learning curve takes too long
— impatience with micromanaging and petty displays of authority
— lack of self-confidence
— poor self-esteem
— underdeveloped social skills

If you were advising this young man, what kind of vocational training or type of job would you encourage him to explore?