As graduation approaches, many students wonder what career path to pursue. With so many options available, deciding which path to take can be overwhelming. To help make this decision easier, we have compiled a list of the 10 best jobs for graduating students in 2024.
These jobs were selected based on job growth, salary, and overall satisfaction. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in technology, healthcare, finance, or another field, this list has something for everyone.
Finding the right job can be challenging, especially for recent graduates with limited work experience. That’s why we have included a diverse range of careers that offer opportunities for entry-level positions as well as those that require advanced degrees.
So if you’re ready to take the first step towards your dream career, read on to discover the 10 best jobs for graduating students in 2024.
Many young adults find graduation to be a tough moment since it symbolizes the end of their childhood and the beginning of adulthood. Choosing the best jobs for graduating students is never an easy choice.
Except for a few professions, such as medicine, you may be delighted to learn that your possibilities are frequently not restricted by your degree topic.
If you are one of the many recent graduates, it might be overwhelming to think about all you need to accomplish after passing your final exams to attain financial security. Job seeking is a major effort that you need to prepare for, especially if you have school loans to pay off.
The good news is that you can take several tools and activities to kickstart your job hunt securely. The labor market is still actively seeking recent graduates with diverse skill sets to fill various roles, regardless of your background or school achievement.
This post will review some of the best jobs for graduate students.
Which Job Is Best For Graduate Students
Here’s a list of the 10 best entry-level jobs for graduating students
1. Software Engineer
As the sector strives to increase diversity, IT professions are among the fastest expanding. Software engineering jobs will attract college students from all walks of life in 2024. The top 15 businesses employing the most U.S. grads include Microsoft, IBM, Google, and Oracle, but don’t restrict yourself to famous brands.
Many outstanding firms, both inside and outside the technology industry, seek people with your abilities. This is an interesting and dynamic industry with many growth prospects, ranging from learning about end-user demands to turning those needs into code and managing the build-out and testing of big software projects. The starting salary is $83,000.
2. Registered Nurse
The healthcare industry offers many possibilities for people of all skill levels, and it employs many recent graduate students. Registered Nursing is one of the top sectors expected to expand through 2026, as the United States is expected to face a nurse shortage due to the demands of the aging Baby Boomer generation.
New graduates who are willing to work 12-hour shifts, evenings, and weekends can find work in hospitals. There is also typical nine-to-five nurse employment available in family medical offices and schools and travel possibilities for young professionals. The starting salary is $62,400.
3. Salesperson
Sales-oriented jobs have a poor reputation, yet they may be a great opportunity to develop key skills that can benefit you no matter what professional path you take next. There’s no better place to overcome your anxiety of meeting new people, learn how to handle rejection, strike a balance between persuasive and forceful, or practice deep listening than here.
Sales positions come in various shapes and sizes; almost every firm needs salespeople. Salaries start at $31,100, but they might go up or down based on the sort of pay that comes with the job.
4. Teacher
Teaching jobs come with a lot of obstacles (a classroom full of misbehaving students, demanding parents, and rigorous reporting requirements enforced by school systems), but they may also be quite gratifying.
Student graduates are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact as more public and private schools rethink their educational approaches, incorporate new technology, and modify classrooms to educate students for an ever-changing world. Salaries begin at $40,000 per year.
So if you love to teach and have ever wondered what jobs are suitable for graduating students, you should definitely consider teaching.
5. Accountant
Pocket protectors aren’t the only thing to consider! Accounting is a dynamic area where professionals may genuinely carve out their own careers in various businesses. Yes, three of the top four auditing businesses (EY, PWC, and Deloitte) are among the top five employers of fresh graduates, but you don’t have to limit yourself to auditing and tax.
Money is the lifeblood of every company. Understanding an organization’s financial foundation will prepare you for a lifetime of professional achievement. A bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or finance is sufficient in most staff accounting roles.
A master’s degree or its equivalent may be required to obtain a CPA license (and the better income that comes with that well-recognized qualification).
Starting wages for entry-level positions are about $48,000. If you’re good with numbers and you’re graduating soon, consider accounting. You do need to have the requirements.
6. Project Manager
The value of a good project manager is immeasurable. A career in project management is a crash education in risk management, stress resilience, and diplomacy, from detecting and removing bottlenecks to maintaining the flow of information in cross-functional teams.
These are dynamic roles that can frequently be done remotely, so fresh grads who want the freedom to work from any place should keep this in mind. You may need to start as an assistant and work your way up to Project Management Professional (PMP) certification over a few years.
These in-demand occupations’ flexibility and career possibilities may be extraordinary if you get beyond the early barriers. As a bonus, you’ll get to meet and work with a wide range of individuals, giving you exposure and allowing you to create a world-class professional network. Salary starts at $57,500 for entry-level positions, but with a few years of experience and a PMP degree, you might make $90,000 or more.
7. Administrative Assistant
An administrative assistant’s starting pay is about $35,400, which varies based on the scope of tasks and degree of expertise. This may be a fantastic starting step toward developing your CV, researching a sector you’re interested in, or learning more about how businesses operate.
Natural organizers and excellent communicators, calm under pressure and fast to handle (or prevent) unforeseen issues are qualities that the finest administrative assistants possess. If you want to work as an executive assistant for the rest of your life, being an executive assistant to a high-ranking CEO, movie producer, or attorney might get you a place at the boss’ table and a high income.
8. Account Executive
An account executive is a sort of salesperson that focuses on managing current customer connections rather than bringing in new ones.
An account executive’s role is to reconcile each customer’s demands and wishes with the realities of contract terms, resource availability, and the company’s realistic requirements.
An account executive role may be a good fit for you if you enjoy dealing with people and solving intriguing challenges and if you are naturally focused on customer service. Starting wages for entry-level positions start at $55,000.
9. Financial Analyst
Banks, insurance, financial services, consulting firms, and healthcare are examples. The list of firms wanting to recruit financial analysts is extensive and diverse. Your daily tasks may vary depending on your employer’s requirements, but most financial analysts begin by developing mathematical models, evaluating data, creating reports, and learning about the needs of individuals who will benefit from their work.
Yes, a knack for statistics will help you, but so will your ability to delve into why a particular study is essential, your creativity in presenting the data in a captivating manner, and your keen eye for detail. Entry-level jobs pay an average of $59,300 a year.
10. Account Manager
An account manager may work at a corporate office, visit clients, or go to conferences, depending on the firm. Your ultimate aim is to provide excellent customer service and resolve any issues that emerge throughout the company-client partnership. Great account managers are adept at identifying unmet requirements and generating new business possibilities by strengthening customer connections.
Starting pay is approximately $52,900, and the position may be a fantastic way to get a foot in the door of a sales, marketing, or business development career.
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What Jobs Can I Do After Graduation?
To make your choice easier here’s just a small selection of what jobs you can do after graduation available to you no matter what degree subject you study.
1. Human Resources (HR)
Working in Human Resources (HR) entails assisting with matters concerning employees, such as recruiting, payroll, employment regulations, and benefits. HR can also be a liaison between employees and management to address issues and explain information such as sick pay, employment policies, and maternity leave.
The good news is that you don’t need a human resources degree to work in HR. However, many companies do need graduates to have a 2:1 (or foreign equivalent) in their degree.
Graduates often begin their careers as HR administrators or assistants. However, some positions may require completion of a Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP) or a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) degree.
The typical HR Assistant pay, according to PayScale, is between £17,000 and £26,000 (about US$21,550 and US$32,960).
2. Accountancy
Strong arithmetic abilities and an analytical mind are required for a career in accounting. This makes a mathematics-based degree ideal for a job in accounting, although top businesses will take any degree as long as you get the requisite grade.
To become a certified accountant, you’ll need to pass a series of professional accounting tests, including the Certified Public Account (CPA) exam. Some of these examinations may have previously been completed if you studied accountancy at university. If not, your company will generally contribute to the cost of these credentials.
According to Payscale, a junior accountant in the United Kingdom makes between £18,000 and £26,000 ($22,830-$32,960).
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3. Marketing And Advertising
The advertising industry is well known for being very competitive – but then, what sector isn’t? Don’t be turned off by this. There’s no reason you can’t thrive in advertising if you have imagination, dedication, and a solid degree.
Marketing and advertising professions come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you want to work as a copywriter, marketing executive, media planner, or social media manager, you must first develop a portfolio of past work and ensure your application stands out.
An entry-level marketing associate may expect to earn around £26,800 (around $34,100) per year.
4. Investment Banking
Your work as an investment banker is to offer a variety of financial services to businesses, governments, organizations, and people. Investment bankers have excellent numerical and analytical abilities and the ability to manage projects and perform under pressure.
Again, this profession is fiercely competitive, especially because it pays well, with average graduate beginning wages averaging around £43,000 (around US$54,700).
Work experience is required if you want to work in investment banking. A summer internship will put you in excellent stead for gaining a spot on a renowned graduate scheme at a top business.
5. Management Consultancy
Management consultants assist businesses on how to put strategic choices into action. A corporation, the government, or a public sector entity might be your client.
You’ll need to be organized, detail-oriented, and have good communication skills for this job, which you’ll ideally master as part of your degree.
Management consultants start with a high beginning pay as graduates, averaging £32,580 (about US$41,410) annually. As a result, they might be very competitive, therefore, prior job experience is required.
6. Teaching
If you want to be a teacher, you must do a postgraduate teacher training course. Confidence, patience, excellent communication skills, organization, and creativity are all necessary qualities for being a teacher.
Teaching is well-known for its high work satisfaction and generous vacation benefits. In our education course guide, you may learn more about the many teaching and education careers accessible.
According to Payscale, an entry-level primary school teacher in the United Kingdom will make around £26,200 (US$33,000).
7. Public Relations (Pr)
It’s all about controlling your client’s reputation when you work in public relations. Excellent relationship-building abilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and solid organizational skills are all required for a job in PR.
Although a specialized degree is not required to work in PR, you may further your career by studying business, communications, or marketing.
Completing relevant job experience can also help you stand out, but this can be not easy to come by. If you’re having trouble finding a job, consider looking into similar fields like event planning.
Salaries in PR generally range from £18,000 to £20,000 (roughly US$22,800 to US$25,380), but after you’ve gained expertise, they may quickly climb.
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8. Hospitality And Travel Management
If you want to work in the hospitality business, you’ll need good communication skills and a lot of expertise. Language abilities will come in handy if you plan to work overseas or host visitors worldwide.
Graduate programs in hospitality are available to anybody with any degree. However, some may have a minimum grade requirement, and having a relevant degree may give you an edge.
Relevant degrees include business administration, economics, and management, in addition to a hospitality degree.
The average pay for an assistant general manager in the United Kingdom is £23,000 (about US$29,300).
9. Sales
A sales career entails – you guessed it – selling. Almost every business needs salespeople to persuade customers to buy your firm’s items and services. In addition, you’ll be negotiating pricing and accepting payments for goods and services.
To succeed as a salesperson, you must be self-assured, passionate, and adept at networking. For example, Apple, Samsung, and Walmart have sales graduate programs.
A graduate salesperson’s average pay in the UK is £22,000 (about US$28,000), although there is often the opportunity to make additional money in commission.
10. Supply Chain And Logistics
If you work in the supply chain, you’ll supervise items from beginning to end. A career in the supply chain is extremely fast-paced, and you’ll need to communicate with suppliers regularly. To do so, you’ll need to stay calm under pressure and communicate effectively.
Graduate programs in supply chain and logistics are available at several big retailers. To get a spot on one, you need to have some experience by working part-time in the retail sector, interning, or doing work placements.
A typical supply chain graduate’s income, according to Glassdoor, is £28,500 (about $36,000).
How Do Graduates Find Jobs?
The majority of grads did not find work via social media. Instead, they utilized social media to locate specialized recruiters and particular employer websites, where they could browse and apply for employment.
Most graduates in professional positions found work through a recruiting agency/website or an employer’s website.
They were likelier than non-professional workers to find work through their university or college careers service.
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When Should Graduating Students Start To Apply For Jobs?
Since they won’t be allowed to start working until after graduation, prospective grads sometimes ask when they should start searching for employment. Recruiting periods for graduating students differ greatly by industry, so the answer is that it depends on the job you’re going for, and it’s never too late, even if you didn’t start looking for work early.
Conclusion
Whatever professional route you pick, make sure your CV and cover letter are customized for each application. Also, emphasize any abilities that might make you a good remote worker (such as independence, time management, responsibility, and communication).
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Jobs For Graduating Students
There is no set time limit; it is entirely up to you and your ability to begin functioning! Some graduates have previously worked part-time during the summer, as part of federal work-study programs, or as interns. Don’t feel rushed if you aren’t ready yet. Take some time to read through all of the job-hunting websites available to understand the process and what employers are looking for.
Numerous social media channels are available to assist you in your job search. Although Linkedin is the most popular site, it is primarily used for networking, and new graduates may find it scary initially. Browse job advertisements on websites like Indeed, CollegeGrad, AngelList, and FlexJobs and apply to the ones that interest you.
There are plenty of work opportunities for recent graduates! While certain fields are easier to enter than others, there is always a position that can assist you in getting your bearings.
Teacher’s assistants, bank tellers, junior accountants, and technical writers are all excellent entry-level occupations in various industries that allow you to gain a feel for how the company operates and gradually advance.
Fresh grads often find high-paying positions in highly technical fields. This includes positions in finance like investment banking, actuaries, and financial analysts, as well as IT jobs like software engineers and network system administrators.
References
- 10 Best Jobs for Recent College Graduates
- 10 Great Graduate Careers You Can Get With Any Degree
- The 20 Best Jobs for College Graduates
- The Best Part-Time Jobs for Grad School Students
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