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What entry level roles should I look for with an associates in business?

Hello everyone!!
I am currently a junior majoring in Business admin with a Concentration in HR. I am supposed to graduate next year, but I am severely burnt out and my mental health is declining. I also had other factors in my life happen recently which made things worse. I am receiving therapy and getting help right now. My plan is to find full time employment, take a semester or two off of school and then resume part time college while working full time. That being said, I have an associates in business with a very strong customer service background. What type of entry level roles should I target with that degree? I am also interested in healthcare/social work and other areas of business as well. I would love to gain experience before I go back to school. Let me know any good ideas!! Thank you!

Thank you comment icon I'm in my scond-third year of business too. What I did was signed up forfreecode camp and change the material I was learning up I found sumtn exciting to me to pursue for free and give me a break from my regular school work Dashe

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Subject: Career question for you

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William’s Answer

Hi Nicole,

Given your situation and associate's degree in business, there are several entry-level roles you could target. In general business, you might consider administrative assistant, office coordinator, or customer service representative positions. These roles often provide a good foundation in business operations and can lead to other opportunities.

Since you're interested in healthcare/social work, look into administrative roles within hospitals, clinics, or social service agencies. These could include patient services representative, medical records clerk, or administrative assistant in a social work office. These positions would allow you to gain experience in those fields while utilizing your business skills.

Other areas of business to consider include entry-level positions in finance, such as bank teller or loan processor, and retail management, like assistant store manager. These roles can offer valuable experience and growth opportunities.

Remember, many companies value experience and a willingness to learn, so don't hesitate to apply for roles that seem interesting, even if you don't meet every single qualification. Good luck with your job search and your return to school!

William
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Ariesha E.’s Answer

Hi Nicole, remember that it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, and you're not alone in this. Taking care of yourself is really important, so make sure you're getting enough rest and doing things you truly enjoy. It might also be helpful to talk with a mental health professional to help sort through everything and create a safe space for yourself. Taking some time off could be really beneficial.

Since you're interested in healthcare or social work, consider looking for a position like an office clerk or assistant in a hospital or clinic. This will give you a chance to learn the ropes, expand your network, and discover more opportunities.

Wishing you all the best and lots of luck!
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David’s Answer

Hello Nicole,

With an associate degree in business, a background in customer service, and an interest in HR, healthcare, social work, and business, you have a solid foundation for various entry-level roles. Here are some targeted positions to consider:

***Business and HR Roles**
1. **HR Assistant/Coordinator** – Supports HR functions like recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, and benefits administration.
2. **Administrative Assistant** – Provides general business support, including scheduling, correspondence, and data management.
3. **Customer Service Manager/Rep** – Manages client relationships and resolves customer issues, often providing a pathway into business operations or sales.
4. **Recruitment Coordinator** – Assists with screening resumes, coordinating interviews, and supporting talent acquisition strategies.
5. **Office Manager** – Oversees day-to-day office operations, budgeting, and administrative tasks.

**Healthcare-Related Roles** *(Great for combining business with healthcare interest)*
1. **Patient Services Representative** – Manages patient interactions, scheduling, and billing in a healthcare setting.
2. **Healthcare Administrator Assistant** – Assists with administrative tasks in a hospital or clinic, such as managing records and coordinating staff.
3. **Medical Billing and Coding Specialist** – Handles insurance claims and patient billing, requiring attention to detail and business acumen.
4. **Health Unit Coordinator** – Provides administrative support to healthcare units, including managing patient records and supplies.

**Social Work and Nonprofit-Related Roles**
1. **Program Coordinator (Nonprofit)** – Supports the planning and execution of community programs.
2. **Case Management Assistant** – Works alongside social workers to coordinate resources and assist clients.
3. **Client Services Coordinator** – Supports outreach efforts, client intake, and program delivery for social services.
4. **Volunteer Coordinator** – Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers for nonprofit or social programs.

**Other Business-Related Roles**
1. **Sales Associate/Account Manager** – Builds client relationships and manages sales pipelines.
2. **Marketing Assistant** – Assists with campaign planning, social media management, and market research.
3. **Operations Coordinator** – Manages logistics, vendor relationships, and internal processes.
4. **Business Analyst Assistant** – Supports data analysis and process improvements within a company.

Best Approach:**
- If you’re leaning toward HR, healthcare, or social work, target roles where you can combine your business background with your personal interests.
- Highlight your customer service skills when applying, as they are valuable in business, healthcare, and social services.
- Consider applying for internships or temporary contracts to explore different industries before committing to a specific path.

Would you like to focus more on any of these areas?
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David’s Answer

Hi Nicole,

First of all, I want to say how proud I am of you for recognizing what you’re going through and taking steps to prioritize your mental health. That takes immense courage, and it’s clear that you’re approaching this with thoughtfulness and intention. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, but the fact that you’re seeking guidance while balancing therapy, work, and school shows just how resilient you are. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, and it’s okay to take a step back when you need to—it’s part of building a sustainable future for yourself.

Now, let’s talk about your plan to find full-time employment with your associate degree in business and strong customer service background. You’ve already set yourself up with a solid foundation, and there are plenty of entry-level roles that align with your skills and interests—whether in business, healthcare, social work-adjacent fields, or beyond. Here’s how to navigate this next chapter:

1. Leverage Your Business Degree & Customer Service Skills
Your associate degree in business gives you a versatile skill set that employers value: communication, problem-solving, organization, and teamwork. Combine that with your customer service experience, and you’re equipped for roles that require interpersonal skills and operational know-how. Some great options include:
Business-Focused Roles:
Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator:
These roles often involve managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling office logistics. They’re a great way to build organizational and communication skills while getting exposure to corporate environments.
HR Assistant:
Since you’re majoring in HR, this is a natural fit. As an HR assistant, you might help with recruitment, onboarding, employee records, or benefits administration. It’s a fantastic way to gain hands-on HR experience before diving deeper into your studies.
Customer Success Specialist:
This role bridges customer service and account management. You’d help clients resolve issues, understand product offerings, and ensure their satisfaction—a perfect blend of your people skills and business knowledge.
Sales Associate/Inside Sales Representative:
If you enjoy relationship-building and hitting goals, sales roles can be rewarding (and often come with commission-based bonuses). Many companies offer training programs for entry-level candidates.
Healthcare/Social Work-Adjacent Roles:
Patient Services Representative:
In healthcare settings, this role involves assisting patients with scheduling appointments, answering questions, and navigating insurance processes. It’s a great way to dip your toes into healthcare while using your customer service expertise.
Community Outreach Coordinator:
Nonprofits and community organizations often hire entry-level coordinators to help with events, volunteer management, and public engagement. This could align with your interest in social work.
Medical Administrative Assistant:
If you’re drawn to healthcare, this role combines business operations with medical settings. You’d handle tasks like billing, record-keeping, and patient communication.

2. Explore Transferable Opportunities Across Industries
One of the best things about your background is its versatility. While you decide which direction excites you most, consider roles that allow you to explore multiple industries:
Call Center Representative:
Many companies hire for remote or in-person call center positions. These roles sharpen your communication skills and often lead to promotions within the company.
Retail Management Trainee:
Retail programs (like those at Target, Starbucks, or Walmart) train you for leadership roles. You’ll learn inventory management, team supervision, and customer relations—all valuable skills.
Nonprofit Program Assistant:
Nonprofits need people who can manage projects, interact with donors, and support program implementation. These roles often align with social impact and community-focused work.

3. Strategize Your Job Search
With so many possibilities, it’s important to approach your search strategically:
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your customer service achievements and business coursework. For example:
“Resolved 50+ client inquiries daily, improving satisfaction ratings by 20%.”
“Completed coursework in human resources, organizational behavior, and business ethics.”
Network: Reach out to professors, alumni, or professionals in fields you’re curious about. Ask for informational interviews—they can provide insights and potentially refer you to openings.
Search Broadly: Use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and specialized sites like Idealist (for nonprofit roles) or Health eCareers (for healthcare jobs).
Consider Remote Work: Many customer service, admin, and HR roles are now remote-friendly. Look for keywords like “remote,” “virtual,” or “work-from-home” in job postings.

4. Balance Work & School When You Return
Once you’re ready to resume college part-time while working full-time, here are some tips to make it manageable:
Communicate with Employers: Many companies are supportive of employees pursuing education. Let your manager know early so they can accommodate your schedule if needed.
Prioritize Self-Care: Remember why you’re taking this break—to recharge. Keep therapy as part of your routine, even as life gets busier.
Stay Flexible: If juggling both feels overwhelming, consider reducing your course load further. Progress doesn’t have to be rushed—it’s about sustainability.

Nicole, you’re doing all the right things by focusing on your well-being and planning ahead. Taking a semester or two off isn’t a setback—it’s a smart investment in your long-term success. With your associate degree and customer service background, you’re already qualified for roles that will challenge and grow you. And once you’re ready to return to school, you’ll bring real-world experience that enriches your learning.

Take it one day at a time, celebrate every small win, and trust that you’re building a path that works for you . You’ve got this, and brighter days are ahead.

Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about your journey!
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Nicole !

There are some positions that you can apply to but you will have to make sure that you are absolutely ready to go through an interview process and the demands of the job and interacting with people. At this challenging time, you can get experience volunteering until things calm a little or you can go for employment and volunteer work at the same time.

Sometimes a job can have more demands than college. Since you have described yourself as "burnt out" with declining mental health, keep in mind that getting a career job can add more to the mix. Give yourself some time and then start applying for work.

Some positions or type of work that you can apply to with an Associates Degree in Business are Administrative Assistant, Sales Manager, Office Manager, Human Resource Assistant or Specialist, Supervisor or Customer Service Supervisor. The degree alone doesn't qualify you so you may want to see how much experience you have and determine if it is time for you to get a career job. You most likely could work customer service but you'd have to wait for an opening in the company to apply for the supervisor position.

You've stated that you are a Junior currently but already have an Associates Degree. If you are in a semester right now, definitely finish it. It should be about 2 or 3 more months only. I would also advise having a physical exam because sometimes a physical issue can affect our mental health. See if there are mental health services available on campus or get a referral from the clinic for services off campus if you feel you need to. Become aware of your triggers or how overloaded your schedule may be and make adjustments. A mental health professional can surely help you sort it out.

I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Thank you comment icon Hello ! Thank you so much. I am definitely finishing out this semester, but then taking a break from school for a bit. Just felt no spark with my studies because I have no real work experience other than retail. I am getting help, I have a doctors appointment soon and I am starting counseling to get me back on track. I will definitely look into volunteering and office roles near me. Thank you so much for your advice. Nicole
Thank you comment icon You're welcome for the advice, Nicole ! Your plans sound wonderful ! Michelle M.
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Patrick’s Answer

Nicole, please understand that if you are feeling burnt out and need to take a step back from school, it’s great that you have a clear plan to gain work experience while prioritizing your mental health. With an associate's degree in Business Administration and an interest in healthcare, social work, and business, there are several entry-level roles that could offer both stability and valuable experience across various industries.

Nicole as it relates to business-related roles, you can explore positions such as Administrative Assistant, HR Assistant, or Office Coordinator. These jobs will allow you to develop skills in organizational support, human resources, and office management, which could complement your HR concentration when you’re ready to return to school. Customer Service Representative or Sales Support roles could also be strong options if you want to build communication and client relations skills.

Nicole, if you're interested in healthcare, roles like Medical Office Assistant, Patient Service Representative, or Healthcare Administrative Assistant would offer insight into the healthcare system while utilizing your business background. These positions involve tasks like scheduling, patient interaction, and medical record management, giving you exposure to the operational side of healthcare.

Additionally, if social work interests you, consider roles like Case Management Assistant or Intake Coordinator. These jobs could provide an opportunity to understand the administrative side of social services, allowing you to develop empathy-driven communication skills and familiarize yourself with client care processes.

Nicole once again, if taking a break to focus on your well-being while gaining hands-on experience in the workforce can set you up for success when you return to school. With your associate’s degree, you’ll be able to find a position that helps you grow professionally while also giving you time to regain balance. Best of luck on your journey!
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Jessica’s Answer

Hi Nicole,

It's great to hear you're interested in healthcare or social work! Are you thinking about a role in HR within those fields, or are you more drawn to becoming a healthcare provider or social worker?

Feeling burnt out is tough, and many of us have been there. Do you think taking a break from school might help you recharge and improve your mental health? I just want to be sure I am suggesting the correct entry-level roles that support your recovery and connect your education to your career goals. From my experience, staying in a stressful environment didn't help me recover.

If continuing your education feels right, perhaps becoming a peer mentor for students could give you valuable healthcare experience. If social work is your passion, maybe being a victim's advocate is a path worth exploring. Both roles can start as volunteer positions, but there are paid opportunities out there too. It all depends on what's available near you.

With your strong customer service skills, this could be a great time to look for paid internships in HR. Gaining experience in the field you love might motivate you to complete your education. You could also consider working with an HR staffing agency to find a contract role where you can apply your HR knowledge from school.

Keep taking care of yourself, and remember, you're on the right path!
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Caroline’s Answer

First, its great that you're prioritizing your well-being - you're not alone, and your plan sounds really smart. With your associate's degree and customer service background, you can look into roles like HR assistant, administrative coordinator, patient services rep (in healthcare), or entry-level roles in operations or recruiting. Thes can give you solid business experience while helping you explore what you enjoy. Also, companies in healthcare or nonprofits often value empathy and people skills - perfect if you're interested in social work-related fields too.
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Rafael’s Answer

Hi Nicole,

With your associate's degree in business and varied interests, you have plenty of entry-level options to kickstart your career. You could go for roles like Administrative Assistant or Office Manager to get a feel for business operations. Since you're into HR, starting as a Human Resources Assistant could be a great fit and give you specialized experience. Customer Service Representative positions in business or healthcare can boost your communication and problem-solving skills. Sales Associate or Account Manager roles are also solid choices, helping you build client relations and sales expertise. If project management catches your eye, consider a Project Coordinator role for a mix of business tasks, or an entry-level Consulting Analyst position if you're into consulting through data collection and research. Healthcare Administration Assistant roles focus on the admin side of healthcare, which might align with your interests. Tailoring your resume to highlight your skills and tapping into your network for opportunities will definitely help. Good luck!
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Andrew’s Answer

Hi Nicole, in looking at the previous answers - they are spot on. I would add that in addition to looking at administrative positions at hospitals and medical practices, you could also look into operational roles. Are you good with spreadsheet and tools like Excel and BI? If so, you could step into an operations role where reporting is important, analysis of data, sales reporting, and even help on the financial reporting side of things. If you have a business associates degree, you'll also have some accounting experience which can help as well. So... look for sales operations roles, administrative operations, both inside the healthcare arena as well as others like: Manufacturing, Finance, and Technology.

I should add, college is hard and it dopes put a lot of pressure on individuals. I found that getting control of the swirly in my life and all the things that were begging for my attention really helped a lot. Consider reading or listening to the book I list below. Note that you don't have to put everything in to practice, but there will be some gems in there that can really help you get on top of your circumstances. All the best. Andrew

Andrew recommends the following next steps:

Read or Listen to: Getting Things Done by David Allen
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