I’m always on the lookout for graduate opportunities. This week, I’ll share my top choices.
Before I jump into the opportunities, I wanted to talk about the employment situation for new grads. Let’s start with the positive. There’s good news for the class of 2023: A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that businesses are expecting to hire almost 4% more graduates over the next year compared to previous graduating classes.
This Week’s Top Graduate Opportunities for Work
As promised, I wanted to provide specific recommendations for graduates. These jobs come from around the nation, and I chose them specifically for those with graduate degrees. Check out my short descriptions below. Or, click through to see the full job descriptions. Not what you’re looking for? The Grad Cafe Job Board is full of companies offering opportunities to graduates across all industries.
Staff Accountant, Insource Services, Boston
Insource provides finance and accounting expertise to a diverse client mix, ranging from small venture-backed startups to well-established nonprofit organizations and is looking for a Staff Accountant to join its team. You will work as part of a service delivery team, providing routine accounting services to clients. You will process accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash disbursements and cash receipts using QuickBooks or other accounting software packages. The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree as well as relevant experience and a proven track record of being diplomatic, patient, ready-to-learn, and with a great sense of humor. Apply for the Staff Accountant role here.
Subcontracts Administrator, ENSCO, Springfield
ENSCO is now recruiting for a Subcontracts Administrator to work in its Procurement Department. You will work across the support of proposal responses to ensure compliance with customer flow-down requirements, as well as monitoring subcontractor payment milestones and performance; and maintaining contractual documentation and file information. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a proven track record of subcontracts work experience. Explore the role in more detail now.
Sales Development Representative (New College Graduate), Navan, New York
The Sales Development organization is the bedrock of success at Navan. As the Sales Development Representative (New College Graduate), you will have a passion for sales, who embody a “go-getter” attitude, and who thrive in a fast-paced environment. You can expect world-class training and enablement resulting in rapid promotion into various parts of the business, and will actively outbound prospect (cold-calling and messaging) and qualify outbound leads and inquiries. You’ll work alongside account executives to develop strategies to land outbound prospects and accounts, and effectively partner and work across the sales and marketing teams, providing feedback through our internal systems on lead quality. Learn more about the requirements and apply here.
Payroll Administrative Assistant, PepsiCo, Nashville
As a Payroll Administrative Assistant for PepsiCo you will serve as the subject matter expert on the Kronos system and hourly payroll policies and practices, while providing support and responding to questions from frontline employees and supervisors from five sites. The ideal candidate will have an Associate Degree in an appropriate discipline as well as strong experience in Kronos or ADP systems, analytical ability and prior experience in cash handling. Apply for the job today.
Accounting Coordinator, Copeland, Cudahy
Copeland is seeking an enthusiastic Accounting Coordinator to be part of an extraordinary organization with responsibility for reconciling company records to independent statement records and resolving discrepancies while performing routine work order costing and investigating related variances. The ideal candidate will have an Associate’s degree in accounting with one year of accounting experience, and demonstrably strong Microsoft Excel skills, alongside excellent communication skills with multiple levels and audiences. Explore the role in more detail here.
Essential Skills for This Year’s Grads
For many graduates, entering the world of work won’t be plain sailing. Gartner’s Future of Work report shows that for Gen Z, pandemic-required remote working and online lectures resulted in a skills gap, which manifests in social settings, with 46% of graduates stating that they struggle to pursue career goals post-Covid.
Communication Soft Skills
Gen Z missed out on developing soft skills, such as negotiating, networking, speaking confidently in front of crowds, and developing the social stamina and attentiveness required to work long hours, in in-person environments.
And while more prevalent in those at the early stage of their career, the report also states that the years spent working remotely have impacted all workers the same way.
Experts suggest finding a role with a company that offers graduate-specific programs and opportunities can be the best way to fill the skills gap. These employers are looking to specifically hire Gen Z, and so they will have support and training in place.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to make sound decisions. In high-level graduate opportunities, employers look for people who can tackle complex challenges and make informed choices. New graduates must develop their critical thinking skills by engaging in activities that promote independent thought and reasoned analysis. This may involve participating in debate clubs, solving real-world case studies, or taking on research projects.
To excel in critical thinking, one must be able to dissect multifaceted problems, gather relevant data, and draw logical conclusions. Furthermore, problem-solving is closely aligned with critical thinking, as it involves devising innovative solutions to intricate issues. While graduate school itself requires critical thinking, the demand compounds when you’re looking for a job. Cultivating these skills equips graduates to handle the complexities of high-level grad opportunities and positions them as valuable assets to prospective employers.
Leadership and Management Experience
High-level graduate opportunities often require individuals to lead teams, guide projects, and make critical decisions. New graduates should focus on developing leadership and management skills to stand out in the competitive job market. Leadership encompasses the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence others to achieve common goals. Graduates can gain leadership experience by taking on roles in student organizations, participating in team projects, or pursuing internships that involve supervisory responsibilities.
Effective leadership also entails good decision-making and problem-solving skills. Demonstrating an aptitude for handling complex situations and making strategic choices is highly valued by employers. Furthermore, understanding the principles of management, which involve planning, organizing, and overseeing resources and processes, is crucial. Graduates can enhance their management skills by studying relevant coursework, seeking mentorship from experienced professionals, or gaining exposure to project management.
Incorporating leadership and management skills into their skill set enables new graduates to step into high-level job roles with confidence. Employers seek individuals who can lead, drive innovation, and manage resources efficiently. By actively developing these skills, graduates position themselves as competent and dynamic professionals capable of taking on leadership positions and contributing to the success of their organizations.
Conclusion
I hope you found an exciting role among this week’s graduate opportunities. Please come visit again if you’re looking for more information on jobs for new grads.
Aisling O'Toole is a journalist who over the past 15 years has edited some of Ireland's leading publications, contributed regularly to TV and radio, and occasionally the odd podcast.
