Open the Door to a Great Entry-Level Job

By Francine L. Huff
Learning & Life Columnist
November 6, 2006

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Just starting out? You've got a lot of ambition, but maybe you don't know where to direct your energies for a career. There are endless options out there waiting for you; here are a couple of hot careers for entry-level professionals that just might fit the bill.

Get Cooking

Do you dream of being a celebrity chef? Culinary careers are sizzling, and demand is expected to stay strong for workers partly because of constant movement in the industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You can find jobs in restaurants, big corporations, specialty food stores, and private households.

Be prepared to stand on your feet a lot and work some unusual shifts, since many restaurants have early morning and late hours--a perfect choice if you can't face the 9-to-5 rat race. If you're in a hurry, you can learn a lot about food preparation on the job and probably get started as a short-order cook with a fast-track education.

If you aspire to be an executive chef or head cook in a fine restaurant, you'll want to attend a cooking school, culinary institute, or two- or four-year degree program. Median hourly earnings of chefs and head cooks was $14.75 an hour in 2004, but some earned more than $26.75 an hour, according to the BLS.

Technology Savvy

So maybe you're the kind of cook who burns Jell-o. Luckily for you, there are other options to explore! If you're good with computers and enjoy problem-solving, then a career as a computer support specialist or systems administrator may be a good fit.

Support specialists provide technical assistance to computer users. Systems administrators design, install, and support a company's local-area network (LAN), Internet, or Intranet. As ecommerce continues to grow, there will be more demand for people who can work in various tech-related jobs. Having an Internet connection of your own may allow you more schedule flexibility and the option to work from home.

Generally, you need at least a two-year degree for jobs in this field, but a four-year or advanced degree from a university may be required by some employers. Online degree programs can prepare you for some jobs without putting you in a physical classroom. In 2005, starting salaries for help-desk and technical-support staff ranged from $26,250 to $53,750, and systems administrators had starting salaries of $47,250 to $70,500, according to staffing firm Robert Half International.

Choose a career that looks interesting to you and offers plenty of room for advancement and salary increases. And remember--in this day and age, no one has to get stuck in careers they dislike, so don't be afraid to try one on. If it doesn't quite fit, you have the resources to make a change right at your fingertips.

Source

Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Financial Makeover: A Practical Guide for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.

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