As summer marches on and student loan payments loom, millennials – especially those who have recently graduated from college – are getting serious about their job searches. Even though they may feel frustrated, these job seekers are not alone.
Some 60-70 percent of recent college grads don't know where their education and skills fit in the workforce and that's holding them back from several popular and lucrative career paths, GradStaff's candidate surveys of more than 5,000 entry-level job seekers show. They may have the skills to get these jobs, but they lack insight into the careers that fit both their personal passions and professional abilities.
At the same time, many companies are frustrated with the lack of qualified candidates responding to their job postings and they don't have a consistent pipeline for young talent because they aren't effectively recruiting millennials.
Job seekers and hiring companies often can't find each other, making the frustration mutual. Businesses are missing out on quality talent, and millennials are ignoring entire segments of the job market because they're unaware of those opportunities.
For millennials and recent grads actively searching for a career starting point, here are five great entry-level jobs.
Software implementation and support
Companies developing business software, mobile device apps and/or providing cloud-based services need people for software implementation and help desk positions who are comfortable with technology, can communicate well and solve problems.
Contrary to what many grads believe, these positions don't require computer science degrees or related certifications, as employers prefer well-rounded hires with a diverse range of talents. These positions are most abundant in urban areas with a high concentration of technology companies, with average starting salaries in the $35,000 to $50,000 range according to PayScale.
Insurance claims adjusting
Strong problem solvers who also have excellent customer service skills often find this career track rewarding. As a result, there are plentiful opportunities for millennials to succeed in this field with any four-year degree, though firms in the property claims field may target job seekers with engineering degrees. Claims positions – such as workers' compensation, third party liability, and auto – are needed across in the country.
However, property claims positions may be concentrated in the Southeastern and Western U.S. due to higher rates of claims related to natural disasters. And the industry is in need of fresh faces. According to Insurance Journal, almost half of insurance industry professionals are currently over age 45, with 25 percent of the industry expected to retire by 2018.
What's more, there will be 400,000 open positions by 2020. This applies especially to the insurance claims field, which is not ready for the loss of baby boomers to retirement. The average starting salary range for an entry-level claims adjuster is $35,000 to $55,000, depending on location, with property claims positions on the higher end.
Data analytics
People with majors in math, economics or a quantitative science should strongly consider a career in this area. While a strong working knowledge of database software is helpful, people who like analyzing data and spotting trends will find solid job opportunities in this booming field.
According to Forbes, the industries with the highest job growth for data analysts include: professional and scientific services, information technology, manufacturing and finance/insurance. Health care and logistics are also growing fields of opportunity for entry-level data analysts. These positions are available with companies throughout the country, with an average entry-level salary of $52,000.
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