Cracking the Code of Entry-Level Jobs: Moving Towards Career Growth

How do you crack the code on landing good entry-level jobs that lead to career growth? When you consider that every jobseeker typically starts their career in jobs that offer learning, hands-on experience, or opportunities for growth- whether it’s as an intern, contract worker, work-study, or part-time worker, the fact is we all must start somewhere. If you’re concerned about not having what it takes to land a higher-level position in the future - take a deep breath. There are paths available to help you build your very own career progression. Not to mention, entry-level work can offer you the space you want to develop the skills you need while enhancing your resume along the way, ultimately leading you to success in any chosen field. 

Career Growth Support

Having a career path support plan in place can help remove some of the guesswork and instead provide some structure around the path you choose to achieve a career goal. SkillUp Explore offers a comprehensive career path tool that can provide you with the guidance you need to take a proactive approach to planning your career. What’s more, with the My Path tool, part of SkillUp Explore, you are encouraged to create a profile and save your career information to access again and again. Consider what skills you already have by doing a skills inventory and then research possible career paths. Not sure of what entry-level career you want or where to start? You can start a search for entry-level careers by accessing the Explore Careers tab on the SkillUp site. On the site, you can browse the profiles of growing careers that take less than 1 year of training. You can mark your favorite careers, review career descriptions, and learn what training is required for the industry.  Let’s look at the Customer Service field of career pathing to follow an example of career progression.

Taking Care of Customers is Good Business

Taking care of customers is good business. Every company has a customer that needs service. If you enjoy working with people to help them resolve issues (whether simple or complex) customer service may be a great option for a career path. Getting through the door for many customer service roles only requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Jobs in customer service can be as simple as answering basic product questions, and handling retail transactions whether virtually or in a physical space. The range of customer service work addresses customers in banking, credit card industry, insurance, luxury goods, financing, manufacturing, telecommunications, and so on. If you’re not sure of what industry to pursue, consider products that you use and if you’ve ever had an interest in resolving issues related to that product or service. The range of customer service jobs is extensive so determining what industry you would like to work in may be the best place to start. Additionally, customer service has ample room for advancement opportunities which we will explore next.

From Servicing Customers to Leading a Customer Service Team

Starting from entry-level customer service roles will help you develop problem-solving skills, communication skills, and experience working within a team environment. Developing these skills can help you move up in the ranks over the course of your career. Once you’ve mastered dealing with customers directly, pursuing customer service leadership roles –such as a Frontline Supervisor, or Customer Service Manager could be a part of your career progression plan.

It’s Time to Choose

Now it’s time to choose your career path. Whether you’re unsure of what job you want or you already have that part figured out, SkillUp can help you with career coaching. Click here to register for an upcoming group career coaching session.