10 Best Jobs For Recent College Graduates

By: Sarah Arnold

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Anyone who's just completed a bachelor's degree needs to research the 10 best jobs for recent college graduates. The best jobs offer graduates a chance to learn new things, gain experience, and help other people. These jobs allow employees to build on what they learned in college. At the same time, they accept people with little experience, so they're within reach for recent college graduates who are just entering the job market.

  1. Teach in a public school as an employee of Teach for America. Teach for America has a very competitive selection process, but the reward is better pay than most school districts will give recent college graduates. Plus, you're guaranteed to work where kids need you most--unlike some jobs that relegate recent college graduates to the sidelines.
  2. Teach English in another country. Teaching English abroad is one of the best jobs for recent graduates who want to travel and see more of the world. Besides completing a short training program and knowing English, there are few prerequisites for this kind of work. That makes it an ideal job for recent college graduates who haven't yet completed profession certification programs or earned advanced degrees.
  3. Buy a franchise. College graduation is a great time to look into purchasing a franchise of a favorite restaurant or store chain. Managing a franchise gives recent graduates entrepreneurial experience and a taste of what the business world is like from a business owner's perspective.
  4. Work in a toy store. Recent college graduates may still be kids at heart, but only a job like this will allow them to play with toys all day.
  5. Work as a research assistant to a professor. If you've just graduated from college, you're comfortable with university life and academics. Working as a research assistant lets you use the skills you've recently gained in your college courses. It will also give you an advantage if you decide to apply to graduate school.
  6. Join your college's recruitment team. Colleges need recent graduates to speak to high school students and answer applicants' questions. This is one of the best jobs for graduates who loved college so much that they don't want to leave.
  7. Become a computer programmer. Recent graduates are immersed in technology, so they often have better computer skills than experienced professionals. Working as a computer programmer is one way to put that knowledge to use and make money.
  8. Trade stocks on the stock market for a financial institution. Traders are paid well, unlike many entry-level positions in business and finance.
  9. Work as a paralegal. These positions require a lot of reading and writing. Recent graduates have excellent reading and writing skills after doing college-level homework for four years.
  10. Serve as a staff writer at a think tank. Like colleges, think tanks employ scholars to engage in research and debate. Working in a think tank is one of the best jobs for recent college graduates who want to continue their involvement with academic culture.
Posted on: Sep. 08, 2010