If you’re just graduating college or stuck in an unfulfilling job, chances are you’re searching for that next chapter in life. Ideally, you want a position that has meaning and adds something to the world rather than just paying the bills (although hopefully it does that too!). While working in a coffee shop might be fun, it won’t help your career; you need a job that builds your resume fast, forges useful and impressive abilities, and catapults you to the next level professionally.
Luckily, many positions exist that will teach you a range of widely applicable skills, and even if these positions aren’t your “dream job,” you can leverage them toward better and better posts over the long haul. Below are seven of the best jobs for new grads. These jobs will help you learn new skills, increase your experience, and grow your career.
1. Legal Assistant
In many law firms, legal assistants needn’t have a law background. Generally a bachelor’s degree with experience in research and writing is enough to earn the position. In addition to law, a few years in a position as a legal assistant can qualify you for jobs in business and accounting, as well as secretarial or assistant roles in other fields, providing a launch pad for career changes.
2. Nurse
Nursing is one of the faster growing professions today, the field expanding at 19 percent. Although you can work as an RN with only an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s brings greater earnings, flexibility, and reward, and sets you up for high-paying specialties down the road.
3. Consumer Protector
With the rash of identity theft in this country, it has never been more critical to help people assure their financial well-being. Jobs in the consumer protection industry can teach you tons about finances, the economy, and consumer advocacy, setting you up for jobs in business or finance later.
4. Social Media Manager
Almost every millennial has decent social media experience, and almost every company these days is looking to expand its social media reach. If you love social media, you may find a match made in heaven at a small startup or even a well-established business, and use these skills down the road for jobs in public relations, marketing, and journalism.
5. Accountant
If you have a head for numbers, accounting may be the field for you. Even if you don’t like bookkeeping, a couple-year stint in accounting can set you up for work in tax preparation, auditing, or management. Study and take your CPA exam.
6. Computer Systems Analyst
With the explosive growth in informational technologies, it’s no wonder systems analyst positions are growing at the rate of 25 percent, much faster than average. Even in an entry level position, you’ll get hands-on experience with computers, networks, IT infrastructures, and cybersecurity, applicable to a wide range of fields.
7. Research Assistant
Helping an already established professional can be a great way to enter a field. As a research assistant, you can work in fields as diverse as biology and pharmacology, anthropology, or book publishing. Benefiting from the long experience of your mentor can teach you valuable skills, immensely grow your knowledge base on a particular subject, and set you up for your own research career later on.