If you’re going to launch a career in the near future and have zero interest in being tethered to an office cubicle, we have good news: You can skip the dreaded open office plan altogether. Remote entry-level jobs give you the freedom and flexibility to work from your happy place, whether that’s the beach, your couch, or your favorite coffee shop in the city.
Of course, remote roles aren’t for everyone. Some people prefer to work in an office where they can learn by observing their fellow employees. But for certain people (namely, introverts and people who hate wearing pants), a remote entry-level job could be an amazing way to kickstart a career.
Related: Good Jobs for Introverts
How to Get a Remote Entry-Level Job
If working in your pajamas and answering emails from a hammock sounds like a dream come true, you’re not the only one who thinks so. Remote entry-level jobs can be fairly competitive because, as it turns out, there are a lot of college grads who want the flexibility to work on the beach while they sip on strawberry daiquiris. Go figure.
One way you can make yourself more competitive for a remote entry-level job? Lining your resume with remote internships, which signals to hiring managers that you have a history of being productive while working from afar.
Already past the internship phase and need an entry-level job ASAP? Read on for some of the top entry-level positions for remote work.
7 Best Remote Entry-Level Jobs
Within certain industries, remote entry-level jobs are ripe for the taking. In particular, the information technology, finance, and insurance industries have experienced the greatest uptick in remote work over the years, according to Gallup research. Here are seven entry-level positions that you can do remotely, so you can bask in all your out-of-office glory.
- Marketing Associate – From collecting data to implementing marketing campaigns, much of a company’s marketing efforts can be done remotely these days. As a marketing associate, you’ll assist the head of marketing with things like editing copy, doing keyword research, preparing reports, and various administrative duties. Keep your nose to the grind for a couple of years and you could get promoted to marketing manager someday.
- Quality Assurance Tester – Being a quality assurance tester, or QA tester, involves testing the quality of software, websites, and other programs to uncover bugs and issues. Ultimately, as a QA tester, it’s your job to identify things that could lead to a bad user experience.
- Bookkeeping/Accountant – Are you an Excel wizard? Did you get a degree in accounting, math, finance, or something similar? Consider becoming a virtual bookkeeper or a remote accountant. Bookkeepers record and organize the daily financial transactions of an organization, while accountants go one step further by analyzing the financial data. Both jobs are often highly flexible and can be done in the comfort of one’s own home.
- ESL Teacher – English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers can have an enormous impact on the lives of their students (see this NFL football player’s heartwarming gratitude for his ESL teacher). As an ESL teacher, you’ll help students boost their grasp on the English language, increasing their chances of career success. To become an ESL teacher, you’ll need to finish a TESL certification program, in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree.
- Software Developer – Want to make the big bucks? Become a remote software developer. The average salary for a software developer in 2019 was $107,510 per year, making it one of the highest-paying careers you can do remotely. You can code when you want to, whenever you want to.
- Freelance Writing/Editing – If you have a love of the written word, a career as a freelance writer or editor may be worth considering. As a freelance writer, you’ll get paid to create written content for a company or an organization, all while working remotely and setting your own schedule. At the very least, it could be a lucrative side hustle.
- Real Estate Agent – As a real estate agent, every day is a little bit different. You get to meet with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, helping them buy or sell a home. On top of that, you get to be your own boss and call the shots. You don’t even need a degree to get started. Just get your real estate license and you’re good to go.
Making the Most of a Remote Entry-Level Job
Once you land a remote entry-level job, it’s important to prepare yourself to work remotely. Set up a dedicated office space to maximize your productivity and give yourself some time to get into the swing of things. Before you know it, you’ll be crushing it at your new job.
Still undecided on a career path? Check out our blog: How to Choose a Career.
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