Prosperous Paths: Top Entry Level Jobs for College Graduates

For college graduates home for the summer, starting the job search can be tough.  Many have degrees in fields of study that don’t have one specific career path, and struggle to find entry level jobs that allow them to apply the skills they have gained.  There are other graduates that have an idea of what they want to do, but find the competition is too high in that profession, and need to explore other jobs to apply for.  And while the national unemployment rate has been rather low at 5%, TheStreet.com reports that there is currently an 8.4% unemployment rate for millennials between the ages of 20 and 24.  To help these recent graduates, we have put together a list of four of the best entry level jobs for college graduates, based on factors such as pay, demand and opportunities for growth:

1)  Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop and implement software products.  Since the demand for software has done nothing but rapidly grow in recent years, this is a secure choice for recent graduates looking for entry level jobs.  To be a software engineer, you should have good technical and mathematical knowledge. The average pay for a software engineer is about $64,000 annually, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs are expected to grow a whopping 17% from 2014 to 2024.  To make it more likely to land a position as a software engineer, it is recommended that you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field.

Software engineer jobs in New York, NY

Software engineer jobs in Seattle, WA

2)  Cytotechnologist

If you are a recent college graduate with an interest in science or the medical field and want a job that allows you to help people while not requiring years and years of schooling, cytotechnology could be the perfect entry level job for you.  Cytotechnologists analyze fluid and tissue specimens to spot abnormalities that could be possible signs of infections, viruses and cancer.  The average salary for this job is $61,000 annually, and this occupation has a high projected growth rate for jobs as well.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cytotechnologist jobs are expected to grow 16% from 2014 to 2024, making it one of the best entry level jobs for college graduates with bachelor’s degree in a major that is science or healthcare related.

Cytotechnologist jobs in New York, NY

Cytotechnologist jobs in Seattle, WA

3)  Sales

As long as you have the right amount of personality, energy and passion for the product you are selling, sales is a great option for recent college graduates with a broad range of majors that are seeking entry level jobs.  To make a solid salary and ensure job availability, the key is to pick the right type of sales job.  Insurance sales agents make an average salary of $48,000 annually and the BLS project job growth for this occupation is 9% from 2014 to 2024.  Financial services is another one of the best entry level jobs in sales for recent college graduates, with an average salary of about $72,000 annually and project job growth of 10% between 2014 and 2024.  Another factor that makes sales a good entry level job for recent graduates is that it often requires little to no experience.

Sales jobs in New York, NY

Sales jobs in Seattle, WA

4)  Architect

Architects are very important to the construction industry, designing new buildings and restoring old buildings.  Their jobs are also important to the real estate market, since architects find the best new ways of utilizing existing buildings.  Good drawing skills and an eye for detail are among the requirements for a career in architecture.  This job is also one of the best entry level jobs for recent college graduates, with an average salary of about $75,000 annually and a project job growth rate of 7% from 2014 and 2024.

Architect jobs in New York, NY

Architect jobs in Seattle, WA