The Most Popular Jobs Among New Graduates – And How to Get Them

Graduating college is one of the biggest moments in a career. It represents a massive transition, from student life to the professional world.

Arguably the biggest part of that transition – and one of the most stressful parts – is landing a job, as there are so many different choices and so many people vying for each one. Which job should you apply for and how do you stand out from the field?

We want to help. So us at LinkedIn uncovered the 10 jobs the most 2018 graduates entered into. We coupled those jobs with the average salaries for each and two LinkedIn Learning courses that can help you stand out from the rest.

The Most Popular Jobs Among Recent College Graduates – And How to Get Them

1. Software Engineer

• 40K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $83,000

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Learning Google Flutter for Mobile Developers

  • Agile Software Development

2. Registered Nurse

• 9K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $62,400

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Working With Difficult People

  • Developing Your Emotional Intelligence

3. Salesperson

• 7K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $31,100

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Sales: Closing Strategies

  • Negotiating with Agility

4. Teacher

• 8K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $40,000

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Teaching Techniques: Blended Learning

  • Teaching Techniques: Developing Curriculum

5. Accountant

• 2K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $48,000

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Excel for Accountants

  • Finance and Accounting Tips Weekly

6. Project Manager

• 22K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $57,500

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Cert Prep: Project Management Professional (PMP)®

  • Project Management Foundations

7. Administrative Assistant

• 17K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $35,400

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Administrative Professional Foundations

  • Administrative Professional Weekly Tips

8. Account Executive

• 10K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $55,000

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Social Selling Foundations

  • Persuasive Selling

9. Financial Analyst

• 4K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $59,300

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Business Analyst Foundations

  • Learning Excel: Data-Analysis

10. Account Manager

• 8K+ open entry-level roles in the U.S.

• Average Total Salary for Entry-Level Roles: $52,900

• Courses That Can Help You Stand Out:

  • Sales Negotiation

  • Sales: Practical Techniques

We hope you land the right job for you. Regardless of what path you chose, there’s one constant – a commitment to learning will give you an edge.

Looking for more help landing a job? These LinkedIn Learning courses can help:

• J.T. O'Donnell on Making Recruiters Come to You
• Expert Tips for Answering Common Interview Questions
• Negotiating Your Salary
• Job Seeker Tips
• Career Advice from Some of the Biggest Names in Business