This is how we understand an entry level – An entry level are candidates who carry no experience for a relevant trade. However, mere qualification is considered and theoretical knowledge is assessed in order to qualify for the job.

Entry-level positions usually require basic skills and knowledge, and they provide opportunities for training and professional development. These roles serve as a foundation for gaining experience and advancing within the company or industry.

An insight into how each industry treats entry-level employees

1. Technology and Software – Entry-level employees in tech are often provided with extensive training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for growth and advancement. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon invest heavily in their new hires. At Amazon, hiring and developing the best is one of their principles. Most of the hires at Amazon are addicted to being successful. On Amazon Career Day in 2021, more than 1 million people applied for Amazon jobs.

The experience of an entry-level employee in a tech company can be exciting but also challenging. They are often treated as learners who must continuously adapt to new tasks and technologies. This treatment reflects the fast-paced nature of the tech industry, where innovation and constant improvement are expected. The exciting part is tech companies often foster a team-oriented environment with brainstorming sessions, hackathons, and open communication. This collaborative spirit can be energizing. Even as a newcomer, their contributions can make a difference. Seeing their code or designs being used by real users is a rewarding and motivating experience.

2. Finance and Banking – Entry-level employees in finance often face high expectations and demanding workloads. They are expected to work long hours, meet strict deadlines, and demonstrate strong analytical skills. However, they are typically well-compensated with high salaries and bonuses.

Many finance companies have structured mentoring programs where entry-level employees are paired with more experienced colleagues or supervisors who provide guidance, answer questions, and help navigate the company’s culture. This support helps them build confidence and skills quickly.

The finance companies prioritize multiculturalism to better cater to a diverse customer base and remain competitive in a global market. Companies may implement training programs, diverse hiring practices, and inclusive policies to promote multiculturalism effectively. By assigning tasks like client support, financial analysis, or assisting with loans, banks help new employees understand key operational areas, fostering skill development. Many banks emphasize career progression, offering certifications, cross-department rotations, and participation in impactful projects.

3. Healthcare – Entry-level healthcare professionals, such as nurses or medical assistants, often experience intense training and orientation programs. They work closely with experienced professionals, receiving guidance and support. Shift work and emotional demands are common challenges.

Entry-level positions in healthcare often serve as foundational roles where employees can gain essential skills and experience while being supported by training and mentorship. These roles not only allow individuals to explore different aspects of the industry but also prepare them for more advanced responsibilities. These roles often include supporting functions such as administrative tasks, patient care assistance, or basic clinical support. Entry-level employees are generally treated with a focus on training and mentorship, as they are expected to gain practical skills and knowledge critical for their advancement in the field. However, the level of responsibility can vary significantly depending on the specific role, the work environment, and the employer. The increasing reliance on electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth platforms, and advanced diagnostic tools requires entry-level employees to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly. Lack of prior experience can make this a steep learning curve. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought lasting changes to healthcare, such as stricter infection control measures, staffing shortages, and increased patient volumes. Entry-level employees must adapt to these realities while building their foundational skills.

It’s essential to consider that advancement may require additional education or certifications, and job satisfaction can also depend on the workplace culture and support available to new hires. As always, double-check any specific job requirements or company policies before making career decisions in the healthcare industry.

4. Hospitality and Tourism – Entry-level employees in hospitality face high turnover rates and may experience variable scheduling, seasonal fluctuations, and demanding customer service. However, they develop valuable communication and problem-solving skills.

The tourism and travel industry is an exciting and dynamic sector that offers a wide range of career opportunities. To attract freshers (new graduates), the industry is implementing a variety of strategies aimed at showcasing the sector’s growth potential, diverse career paths, and the chance to be part of a vibrant, fast-paced environment. Tourism attracts freshers in technology roles for their online booking, digital marketing, intense analytics, and AI driven customer service. Specialized Skill Development and Certification Programs

In the travel and tourism industry, entry-level employees are generally treated as the backbone of operations, handling tasks that are crucial for customer satisfaction and the smooth functioning of services. Many reputable companies provide structured onboarding programs to familiarize new employees with industry tools (e.g., booking systems, CRM software) and customer service expectations. They are in customer-facing roles (e.g., hotel front desk agents, airport ground staff, or travel agents) and are expected to deliver exceptional service. They are treated as the “face” of the company, directly influencing customer perceptions. In high-pressure scenarios, such as during peak travel seasons, entry-level employees may feel overburdened with responsibilities or face demanding clients, especially if resources are stretched thin.

Some entry-level employees report feeling overworked, particularly in customer-facing roles where shifts can be long and unpredictable.

5. Manufacturing – Entry-level employees in manufacturing often start in operational roles, learning safety procedures, and equipment operation. They may work varying shifts, including night shifts and weekends, and have opportunities for advancement with experience. Machine operators are in high demand for early career professionals and play an essential role in the manufacturing industry by operating and maintaining different types of machinery and equipment. As factories move to digital systems, application developers are seeing a high demand from a fast-growing market. Human-robot collaboration has made industrial mechanics very important. The demand for this job has increased by about 13% in the last year, which shows a shortage of trained people to keep machinery running properly.

Entry-level employees in the manufacturing industry are often treated as trainees or junior staff. Their roles are structured to provide them with hands-on experience and help them develop the skills necessary for more advanced positions. This stage often involves a combination of on-the-job training and formal instruction, equipping them with technical expertise, familiarity with industry standards, and a deeper understanding of manufacturing processes.

In this industry higher-level employees often play a critical role in guiding, mentoring, and supervising junior trainees. Their treatment of entry-level employees significantly impacts the trainees’ learning experience, morale, and overall development. When higher-level employees adopt a supportive, respectful, and professional approach, they not only contribute to their growth but also enhance the overall productivity and culture of the workplace.

In the manufacturing industry, higher-level employees may treat junior employees poorly, which can have significant negative effects on both individuals and the organization. Workplaces are often toxic when such behavior occurs and manifests in various ways. Trainees feel undervalued when their questions or concerns are ignored. Without adequate guidance, trainees are expected to figure things out for themselves. A healthy work culture is essential for the growth and development of junior employees, and addressing poor treatment is crucial to achieving this.

It is important to outline the roles and responsibilities of their entire team to prevent existing team members from resenting a new hire. In some cases, existing team members might feel threatened by the possibility of someone else taking over their responsibilities. Clarifying the entry level position and the positions of other team members whose work is closely related, how they will interact with each other, and how the project will run is a good idea.

6. Education – Entry-level teachers often receive mentorship and support from experienced educators. They face challenges like classroom management and lesson planning but have the satisfaction of shaping young minds.

Entry-level employees in the edtech industry often receive a structured onboarding process that includes training on products, tools, and company culture. After onboarding, their experience can vary based on company culture, mentorship, and support systems. Onboarding processes in educational institutions can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of institution.

7. Marketing and Advertising – Entry-level marketers often handle creative projects, social media, and data analysis. They work in dynamic environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and developing valuable skills in branding and campaign development.

Companies in the marketing and advertising industry typically view entry-level employees as essential contributors to their operations, often expecting them to bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. These employees are usually given responsibilities that can include assisting with campaigns, conducting market research, supporting account managers, and handling social media tasks. Firms often provide training and mentorship to help newcomers develop their skills. Opportunities for growth and advancement are commonly highlighted, shaping a collaborative workplace culture aimed at nurturing talent.

While media professionals struggle to gather and report facts accurately and responsibly, they are expected to provide quality news to the masses in this fast-paced environment.

In the media industry, the gender gap impacts women’s representation significantly. To close the gender gap in media, women should have equal access to training and development opportunities, better representation in decision-making roles, and more funding so that they can launch and grow their own projects. To influence how women are portrayed in the media, media outlets must hire more female journalists and gender-diverse leading figures.

8. Non-Profit and Social Services – Entry-level employees in non-profits often experience meaningful work, aligning with their values. They may face limited resources, high workloads, and emotional demands but develop strong skills in community engagement, fundraising, and program management.

Many entry levels consider jobs for non-profit companies to be simply a means of paying the bills-and they can be extremely boring. When you work for a nonprofit, every task you complete supports a mission you care about, which is inspiring. In many jobs entry level people feel that their work has little impact on the company or community because they do not feel like their work has much meaning. Entry-level contributions are usually appreciated, but the acknowledgment might vary by the organization’s culture.

9. Management Consulting – Management consulting role is the most premium job in all the jobs in the world. Entry-level professionals who are interested in Strategy Consulting apply for the Strategy and Consulting requisition and are aligned to a specific practice team by the business. Management consulting firms often have a structured approach to treating entry-level employees, but experiences can vary widely based on the firm’s culture and management style.

Management consulting isn’t your typical 9-to-5 job. It provides a unique career path filled with challenges and opportunities that you won’t find in a regular corporate setting. Consulting firms have six roles from entry-level to partner, with progression taking 1 to 3 years per position. Becoming a partner can take over 10 years, depending on your starting level and promotion speed. Entry-level consultants mainly focus on analyzing data and creating presentations.

In order to help new employees get accustomed to the corporate culture and expectations, they are often assigned a buddy or consultant that has more experience. The duties may include data analysis, research, and helping with client deliverables. There is a high level of attention to detail and long working hours. Even at entry level, employees are expected to maintain professionalism and represent the firm well in client interactions.

Here’s a research that incorporates survey responses from HR experts

Research Title – Exploring how various industries treat entry-level employees

Some of the Survey Questions

1. What support systems do you have in place for entry-level employees?
2. How do you approach mentorship and training for new hires?
3. What challenges do entry-level employees typically face in your industry?
4. How do you measure success for entry-level employees?
5. What opportunities or challenges are available for growth and development?

Expert Insights

Based on their responses we gathered, support for entry-level employees typically highlight several key areas like onboarding, mentoring, ongoing training, regular feedback, and peer support. When responding to the challenges faced by entry-level candidates, several common hurdles often arise, particularly when it comes to balancing administrative tasks and building networks with more strategic responsibilities.

Based on their response, a lack of practical experience is one of the most significant challenges faced by entry-level professionals, and it often manifests in two key ways: uncertainty in decision-making and lack of confidence. The common evaluation criteria respondents use to measure the performance of entry-level candidates are their productivity, progress in learning key skills, ability to handle responsibilities, and how well they integrate into the team and company culture.

Cognitive Strategist’s POV

Cognitive Strategists believe in bringing out the best in individuals. Mostly in the entry level, we promote and emphasize on “fail fast and grow” culture which makes the environment conducive to entry levels to install their long term commitment. Additionally, continuous importance to new & diverse responsibilities enables the entry level to seek for the right future and establish themselves. To build an entrepreneur mindset from the beginning at an entry level installs creativity & risk taking abilities. It’s important to also contribute to building a social structure in an individual at the start of their careers as it takes them a long way to build a great character. This great character then becomes a great team player and a great leader.