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1. Data scientist
Average entry-level compensation: $86,584

Average salary (for all experience levels): $98,789

Salary range (for all experience levels): $70,000–$137,000

In today’s tech-centric world, data is becoming more important and abundant than ever—and companies need data and analytics teams to help organize, analyze, and leverage that data to hit their goals. Data scientists are responsible for creating the frameworks that companies use to analyze large sets of data. This includes designing and implementing algorithms and statistical models, running tests and experiments on existing data, developing internal and external data products, and continually evolving and optimizing their frameworks to ensure the most accurate results—which, in turn, leads to the most useful insights and accurate conclusions to help the business succeed and grow.

In order to get hired as an entry level-data scientist, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, math, engineering, statistics, or a related field—though you should be aware that some companies may require an advanced degree—and proof that you have some core data science skills.

Find data scientist and other data science jobs on The Muse

2. Management consultant
Average entry-level compensation: $73,416

Average salary: $92,320

Salary range: $64,000–$150,000

Management consultants work with companies to help them improve their businesses by identifying problems, developing solutions, and overseeing the implementation of those solutions. For example, a team of consultants might help a company revamp their hiring practices to attract top talent, overhaul their internal processes to improve efficiency, or reimagine their budgets to cut costs. Management consultants are employed by consulting firms, not by the client companies they work with, which means that consultants have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects over time.

Management consulting is a competitive industry and many consulting firms recruit directly on college campuses. To get your foot in the door, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as business administration or economics) and a high GPA during your undergraduate studies. Keep in mind that some management consulting firms prefer their candidates to hold advanced degrees—even for entry-level roles.

Find management consultant jobs on The Muse

3. Software developer
Average entry-level compensation: $66,832

Average salary: $76,029

Salary range: $54,000–$111,000

Software developers (also known as software engineers) are, as the name implies, responsible for developing different types of software. Ultimately, software developers are problem solvers; they work with product managers to identify the end user’s key needs and design software, features, and fixes that meet those needs—and then they write, test, and deploy the relevant code.

While some companies require their software developers to hold a degree in computer science, many companies will hire software developers without a degree. As long as you know how to code—and can prove it in a technical interview—you’re good to go.

Find software developer and software engineer jobs on The Muse

4. Business analyst, IT
Average entry-level compensation: $62,390

Average salary: $72,416

Salary range: $53,000–$102,000

IT business analysts are responsible for analyzing a company’s current IT operations—and then making recommendations to improve efficiency, bring down costs, and implement IT systems and protocols that empower employees to be more productive. Depending on the company and its IT infrastructure, they might analyze hardware, software, and/or IT systems, processes, and services to recommend the most impactful improvements. IT business analysts may also be looped into new projects to determine what kind of IT solutions the company will need to support the project.

Entry-level IT business analysts will need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, information technology, or a related field—as well as a deep understanding of IT systems that, depending on the person, could be gained through undergraduate coursework, internships, or personal study.

Find business analyst, IT jobs on The Muse

5. Investment associate
Average entry-level compensation: $53,056

Average salary: $67,101

Salary range: $47,000–$109,000

Investment associates may work at banks, financial services firms, or other financial institutions and assist portfolio managers in researching and developing investment strategies for clients—both private and corporate. Their responsibilities typically include analyzing financial data, conducting research, creating presentations and other client materials, managing client transactions, and performing related administrative tasks. Most investment associates have analytical, research-based tasks as well as client-facing tasks—so in order to succeed, candidates should be comfortable doing both.

Generally, a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field is required for investment associate positions.

Find investment associate jobs on The Muse

6. Desktop support engineer
Average entry-level compensation: $49,514

Average salary: $64,218

Salary range: $45,000–$94,000

Desktop support engineers are responsible for troubleshooting anything that goes wrong with an organization’s software or hardware (such as computers, laptops, and servers), whether that’s on-site or from a remote location. Generally, a user will send over an IT request—and when the desktop support engineer receives that ticket, it’s their job to identify the problem, fix it, and ensure that everything is back up and running properly. They may also be responsible for documenting solutions, keeping track of backups and maintenance, and/or supporting IT technicians on their team.

While many companies prefer their desktop support engineers to have a degree, it’s not a requirement for many job listings; if you know how to troubleshoot IT issues—and can solve problems quickly and effectively—you can land a role.

Find desktop support engineer jobs on The Muse

7. HR associate
Average entry-level compensation: $49,307

Average salary: $52,563

Salary range: $39,000–$71,000

An HR associate supports leadership in the human resources or “people” department on a variety of projects. They might work with recruiters and HR managers to schedule interviews or contact references, process payroll and benefits paperwork, conduct orientation and onboarding sessions, help plan and execute training sessions, and/or take on general administrative work. Because they’re often exposed to sensitive employee information during their work, HR associates must also be able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and build and maintain trust with their team.

While many companies prefer to hire HR associates with a bachelor’s degree, you can also get your foot in the door without a college degree—as many companies are looking to hire HR talent with the right attitude and personality vs. any specific background.

Find HR associate and other human resources and recruiting jobs on The Muse

8. Executive assistant
Average entry-level compensation: $46,669

Average salary: $60,962

Salary range: $42,000–$86,000

An executive assistant is an executive’s right-hand person, responsible for supporting the CEO or another executive (and sometimes multiple execs) in their day-to-day role. The job can include tasks like booking travel, managing calendars, scheduling appointments, planning events, managing projects, and performing other administrative duties (such as answering phones). EAs basically keep their executive’s life organized—so they must be extremely organized themselves and able to juggle multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities at once (without letting anything fall through the cracks).

While some executives require their EAs to have experience and/or a four-year degree, many companies are more open to folks just starting their careers—and are willing to train promising candidates on the job.

Find executive assistant jobs on The Muse

9. Marketing associate
Average entry-level compensation: $46,622

Average salary: $51,571

Salary range: $38,000–$74,000

Just as an HR associate supports a company’s HR team, a marketing associate supports a marketing team. There are opportunities for marketing associates within a huge range of industries—from consumer packaged goods to tech to nonprofits. Depending on the company’s marketing goals and structure, there may also be opportunities to work on tasks and projects related to a wide variety of marketing specialties. For example, a marketing associate might assist in writing blog, social media, or email copy; working on product launch campaigns; planning and running events; conducting market research; and/or building up e-commerce efforts.

Most companies want their marketing associates to have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field—as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Find marketing associate and other marketing jobs on The Muse

10. Sales development representative
Average entry-level compensation: $45,332

Average salary: $46,876

Salary range: $36,000–$61,000

Sales development representatives (SDRs) are responsible for generating qualified leads (a.k.a., potential customers), reaching out to those leads, and briefly educating the lead on the product or service that’s for sale—with the end goal being to schedule a call or meeting with a sales executive who can continue the conversation and ultimately close the deal. SDRs need solid research skills, a willingness to make a high volume of cold calls, and the ability to connect with potential customers.

Most companies don’t require SDRs to have any specific background or degree; instead, they look for candidates with the personality, drive, and tenacity needed for a successful career in sales. (And keep in mind that while the average entry-level compensation for this role is around $43,000, it’s a sales role—and if you end up being a great salesperson, bigger bonuses and commissions based on excellent performance could drive your earnings higher even without a raise or promotion.)
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