7 Top Entry Level Jobs for 2023 Graduates
Publié le 17 May 2023
Collect your degree and step into the job market with one of the 7 top entry level jobs for 2023 graduates.
Roles for new graduates can be hard to find, especially if you don’t have prior work experience to support your qualifications. And with unemployment unfortunately standing at 5% in Canada and 3.7% in the UK, there’s a lot of competition out of there.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t good career opportunities. There are plenty of in-demand jobs out there for applicants with all levels of experience, you just need to know where to look for them.
In this post we’ll take a look at some of the 7 top entry level jobs for 2023 graduates so you can get your career off to the right start.
7 Top Entry Level Jobs for 2023 Graduates
Every applicant will have different priorities when it comes to searching for a job. It may be financial security, options for professional development, or a work-life balance. For recent graduates, the main goal can be finding a job that lets you put your hard-earned knowledge to work while starting to build a strong and stable career. Below you’ll find 7 top entry level jobs that could help you reach your goals.
1. Software developer
Many graduates in software development look at games and tech companies for new jobs.This is very understandable, as those are in-demand positions that are highly valued by applicants. If you need to expand your job search, perhaps due to the current status of the tech sector, almost every business will need some help with complex software. This is true not only in the US but also in the UK and Canada, where the technology industry is still poised for long-term growth.
That means that a graduate software developer could be doing anything from writing Java or Python code to helping an airline keep its schedule in check by maintaining their systems. Take a look at this example.
Screenshot taken from jobillico.com
At first, it might not seem like a role that’s aimed at software development. But, if you’ve done a Bachelors’ or Masters’ degree in a related field, you probably have at least some of the required skills already. If you have experience in mechanical or electrical engineering, even better.
That’s not to say that every entry-level role will offer a salary and benefits like the one above. A more traditional route into full-time software development is starting with testing and training.
Screenshot taken from jobilico.com
The role above is still a great starting salary, but they’ll probably expect some experience in testing or creating software. For most 2023 graduates, that will come from your portfolio of both university work and side projects.
Expected salary: $30 – $60K depending on the role and experience
Role types available: Full remote, hybrid, on-site, office-based
Potential job titles: Software developer, software tester, software engineer
Pros:
- Salary
- Development opportunities
- High demand
- Possibility to work freelance
Cons:
- Long hours
- Potentially stressful
2. Financial analyst
A financial analyst tends to be a highly specialist role, so tasks are similar across different industries. Analysts tend to be involved with the interpretation of data-sorting results. If you have a lot of experience with economics, accounting, or data science, then an analyst role could be a fit for you.
There isn’t an industry that couldn’t use analysis of its financial results. The main thing to bear in mind with analysis is; whether you want to work as part of a larger company or as a third-party consultant. You’ll find that many financial analysts are subcontracted to client companies rather than working with one client on a full-time basis.
Take a look at these roles, they’re fairly varied, but each requires some or all of the skills of a financial analyst.
Screenshot taken from jobillico.com
In broad terms, the day-to-day of a financial analyst involves a lot of time collating the results of data testing. Then, those results have to be interpreted to extract useful insights that a business can act on.
You may need to be proficient in software specific to the industry you’re working in. For example, if you’re employed by a real estate company, they may be expected to use Sage real estate accounting software to acquire the data and provide the insights they require. Or, if you’re working in ecommerce, you may need to make use of Salesforce or understand online vendors like Shopify. So, be prepared to pick up new skills if this is the career path you want to pursue.
Many financial analysts will also present results in boardroom meetings and participate in decision-making processes. Although, most entry-level positions won’t throw you in at the deep end like that.
Expected salary: $30 – $40K Depending on the role and experience
Role types available: Office based, hybrid
Potential job titles: Junior financial analyst, credit risk analyst, actuarial pricing analyst
Pros:
- Salary
- Opportunity to enact change
- Wide range of workplaces
- Good working conditions
Cons:
- High stress
- Long hours
- Need to continually be updating knowledge
- Work can fluctuate depending on the state of the economy
3. HR specialist
HR services are another cross-industry discipline where graduates are welcomed and often trained and accredited alongside their role. Recruitment often falls under this category, as well as in-work mentoring and other people-focused roles.
Entry into recruitment with an independent recruiter is a common starting point, and so is working as an HR assistant with a company’s own HR team.
An HR adviser will be responsible for finding and recruiting new talent on a budget, it’s a very involved role. You’ll also take responsibility for the well-being of staff and ensure training is conducted on schedule. More general HR roles also include payroll and administrative functions, as well.
Screenshot taken from jobillico.com
Expected salary: $30 – $40K depending on the role and experience
Role types available: Office based, hybrid
Potential job titles: HR adviser, HR admin, HR assistant
Pros:
- Opportunity to improve working conditions for employees
- High demand
- Lots of interaction with people
Cons:
- High workload
- Lots of admin work, especially at the beginning
- Working as a mediator in difficult situations can be emotionally challenging
4. Accountant
As an accountant, you’ll be responsible for managing financial records, preparing and analyzing financial statements, as well as ensuring compliance with tax regulations. You’ll also be involved in budgeting, forecasting, and auditing. It’s an important role, but for those with the right qualifications it can definitely be one of the 7 top entry level jobs for 2023 graduates.
Accountants are needed across industries, including healthcare, banking, retail, and hospitality. The average starting salary for these positions ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year.
Screenshot taken from jobillico.com
Your day-to-day tasks will involve reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and communicating with clients or colleagues. Most accountants work standard 40-hour weeks with occasional overtime during busy periods.
The role involves keeping your skills and knowledge continually up-to-date and being aware of changes in regulations. This means you will need to learn MTD for accountants if you’re operating in the UK or prepare for the Digital Services Tax (DST) in Canada.
You could even take the role freelance and start your own business. This gives you a lot of flexibility and the option to specialize in an area that really interests you.
Expected salary: $35 – $50K Depending on the role and experience
Role types available: Office based, hybrid, freelance
Potential job titles: Junior accountant, accounts payable clerk, bookkeeper
Pros:
- Lots of flexibility
- A wide range of jobs to choose from
- You can work in all industries
Cons
- It can be stressful
- Very little margin for error
5. IT specialist
IT specialists are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of new technology in business environments. This tech includes computer systems, networks, business software suites and other connected devices. They also use specific tech skills to provide technical support to users and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
IT specialists are needed in every industry, but certain fields like healthcare, finance, and government often have unique requirements.
Screenshot taken from jobillico.com
As an IT specialist, your day-to-day tasks may involve installing and configuring software and hardware, resolving technical issues, and providing training to users. Your work-life balance can vary depending on the company. Some IT specialists work standard 40-hour weeks, or they might have on-call responsibilities.
Expected salary: $40 – $50K Depending on the role and your experience
Role types available: Office based, hybrid, fully remote
Potential job titles: Help desk technician, desktop support technician, network technician
Pros:
- High salary
- Flexibility
- Lots of room for career advancement
Cons:
- Long and irregular hours
- Stressful
6. Cybersecurity analyst
Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks and systems from cyber-attacks. They analyze security risks, develop security measures, and monitor systems for potential threats. Cybersecurity analysts are needed in various industries, but they often work for third-party companies as independent consultants.
Day-to-day cybersecurity tasks can be highly varied. They could involve monitoring and analyzing network traffic, investigating security incidents, and developing security protocols. You might even be testing for vulnerabilities to secure business software platforms.
Your work-life balance can vary depending on the industry and company so working hours might not be your typical nine to five. But, with that comes increased flexibility with office hours and remote working options.
Expected salary: $60 – $80K Depending on the role and experience
Role types available: Office based, hybrid, fully remote
Potential job titles: Information security analyst, SOC analyst, penetration tester
Pros:
- Strong career progression
- Challenging environment with lots of possibilities to learn
- High salaries
- High demand
Cons:
- Demanding hours
- Difficulty in staying up-to-date with constant changes
Screenshot taken from jobillico.com
7. Project manager
Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring projects. They’re in charge of managing project resources and communicating with stakeholders. They also ensure project goals are met on time and within budget. Most industries use project managers to oversee long-term development and expansion projects.
As a project manager, your tasks may involve creating project plans, assigning responsibilities, monitoring progress, and communicating with stakeholders. It’s all determined by what industry you work in. A project manager will need at least some involvement in most parts of a project.
Expected salary: $50 – $65K Depending on the role and experience
Role types available: Office based, hybrid
Potential job titles: Project coordinator, project administrator, assistant project manager.
Pros:
- Lots of room for skills development
- Opportunities to work with a wide range of people
- Transferable skills that can be used in different roles
Cons:
- Lots of pressure to deliver results
- Coordination of different teams can be challenging
Final thoughts: don’t limit yourself
When you’re entering the job market after recently completing school, you should aim high. Yet, remember that experience, both practical and academic, is highly valued, so you’ll have to demonstrate your key entry level skills when applying and interviewing. If you choose to pursue one of the 7 top entry level jobs for 2023 graduates, you can find opportunities to build a rewarding and successful professional life.
