5 Starter Jobs with Excellent Growth Potential

In today's job market, it seems as if the competition has become fiercer than ever -- even for those minimum wage jobs. If you've recently graduated college, or if you're preparing to graduate and enter the workforce, you may be wondering if you'll find employment that's truly worth your while. And while you know that you likely won't be graduating your way straight into a six-figure income, you're certainly not excited about the idea of flipping burgers for too many of your working years, either.

The good news is that entry-level jobs with big growth and earning potential for college graduates do, in fact, exist. Consider five of these opportunities:

1. Public Relations Assistant

Entry-level median salary: $44,000

A job in public relations, which typically requires a bachelor's degree in communications, can be a great stepping stone to managerial responsibilities -- and therefore greater income.

2. Web Designer

Entry-level median salary: $50,000

If you're the creative type with savvy computer and Internet skills, this may be a great entry-level opportunity in which you can grow and tackle more complex -- and higher paying -- design projects. As more and more business migrates to cyberspace – or at least utilizes digital real estate in their strategy, careers in website design are not facing obsolescence anytime soon.

3. Human Resources Assistant

Entry-level median salary: $32,000

Human resources is a field that not only entails working with various types of people, but is a career field that could quickly lead to the even more challenging, higher-paying position of Human Resource Manager.

4. Sales Representative

Entry-level median salary: $54,000

Competitive, outgoing individuals often excel in the sales field, where rapid advancement into managerial positions is possible for those who develop strong sales track records.

5. Registered Nurse

Entry-level median salary: $63,000

A position as a registered nurse can be an ideal -- and well-paying -- career choice for those with a bachelor's degree in nursing who enjoy serving and working with people in a clinic, hospital, or doctor's office setting.

Landing your first post-graduate job is not just another milestone in your life; it's potentially the first step down a carefully planned career path. Good entry-level jobs are not just those that offer high starting salaries; they also have strong growth potential, which means more professional opportunities for you in the future. Whatever career path you choose, however, be sure to conduct the appropriate research into the job outlook and appropriate salary range for your region and education level. With good information and a little strategic planning, you really can get a starter job with excellent growth potential in today's job market.