Shortly after college graduation, students everywhere are faced with the struggle to find their first job. Aiming for the perfect full-time position is ambitious, but it’s not the most realistic approach. Many recent graduates will find themselves in any one of the common entry-level positions below. Although many of them have been stereotyped to be dull and without prestige, they are all extremely useful stepping stones toward a future career.

Interns

No matter which college you belong to at Iowa State, chances are you’ll be encouraged to complete an internship. Career Services at Iowa State help students prepare and search for internships in their related field.

“Internships are the one way to connect your academic experience to your actual career,” said Kathryn Wieland, program coordinator for business career services.

More than ever, companies are looking for students with experience in their related career. Although many are filled with tedious nonpaid tasks, they are the best career preparation in the eyes of potential employers. Whether you begin your post-graduation with a job or an internship, you can be rest assured that it’s not time wasted.

Office assistants

Depending on your specific career goals, you may end up as an office assistant for your first job. They may seem like highly paid interns, but there are many positive aspects as well. Steer clear from what some perceive as the “The Devil Wears Prada” image of an office assistant. In actuality, you get to gain experience working for a company of your choice and you’re given much more responsibility than you would get during an internship. Office assistants who broaden their knowledge of a company will regularly be promoted to a higher position with more responsibilities, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site. A college graduate’s first job will usually start low. With office assistants, there are many ways to climb toward a promotion.

Retail

In some fields, such as sales and certain businesses, in order to climb the corporate ladder, you must begin in retail. Many people are familiar with retail and all it entails. You must be a good communicator and have a strong and upbeat disposition. Getting paid by commission could be seen as a downside to some. However, employers look at that as a standard of measurement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, larger retail businesses usually hire college graduates as management trainees. In order to gain a promotion, you must apply yourself and earn it.