4 answers
Jamie
Student
Englewood, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
608 views
What are some entry level jobs or internships I could do to build the skills I need to run my own business??
I am currently attending Red Rocks Community College for Business Administration.
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4 answers
Oleg Kushnerov
Construction Project Manager
8
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Oleg’s Answer
Depending what business your planing.
Working at McDonald's to learn efficiency.
Work at h&r block for financial.
Construction company for scheduling and planing
Transportation\distribution company for logistics.
All 4 above will help in 99%
Working at McDonald's to learn efficiency.
Work at h&r block for financial.
Construction company for scheduling and planing
Transportation\distribution company for logistics.
All 4 above will help in 99%
Michelle Fryar, MBA
Telecommunications / Operations
6
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Jamie! It's great that you're thinking about starting your own business! To get experience, look for jobs that put you in front of people, like in retail or restaurants. These jobs will help you learn how to handle different situations, solve problems, think quickly, and understand business better.
Once you've worked in these areas, contact your college to see if they offer any internship programs. For example, some states have programs that help place students in internships, which can lead to full-time job offers. Since you're interested in self-employment, find out if there's a program that can connect you with companies in your field.
Also, find a mentor in your industry. You could do a job shadow with them to learn more. If there are networking groups or meet-ups in your area, attend them. This will help you meet people who can support your career goals.
Good luck with your plans, and keep chasing your dreams!
Once you've worked in these areas, contact your college to see if they offer any internship programs. For example, some states have programs that help place students in internships, which can lead to full-time job offers. Since you're interested in self-employment, find out if there's a program that can connect you with companies in your field.
Also, find a mentor in your industry. You could do a job shadow with them to learn more. If there are networking groups or meet-ups in your area, attend them. This will help you meet people who can support your career goals.
Good luck with your plans, and keep chasing your dreams!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Jamie
Sandi James
Project Manager
5
Answers
Ephrata, Washington
Updated
Sandi’s Answer
Here are some great entry-level jobs you might want to consider:
- Bookkeeper: This role will help you build skills in financial management, sharpen your attention to detail, and give you a solid understanding of accounting principles.
- Project Coordinator: In this position, you'll learn how to manage projects effectively, improve your communication skills, stay on schedule, and enhance your organizational abilities.
- Bookkeeper: This role will help you build skills in financial management, sharpen your attention to detail, and give you a solid understanding of accounting principles.
- Project Coordinator: In this position, you'll learn how to manage projects effectively, improve your communication skills, stay on schedule, and enhance your organizational abilities.
Roujean Sabouri
Director of Sales Enablement
16
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Roujean’s Answer
Great question! If your goal is to eventually run your own business, look for internships or entry-level jobs that give you hands-on experience in a variety of areas. You’ll want to build skills in operations, sales, marketing, finance, customer service, and leadership. Here are some great places to start:
Internships or Jobs to Consider:
--- Startup Intern – Working at a startup gives you exposure to all aspects of a business. You’ll likely wear many hats, which is perfect for learning how a business runs from the inside out.
--- Sales Associate or SDR (Sales Development Rep) – Teaches you how to sell, understand customer needs, and build resilience—all essential for entrepreneurs.
--- Marketing Assistant or Social Media Intern – Helps you learn how to promote a product or brand, analyze what works, and engage with customers.
--- Operations or Admin Assistant – You'll learn how processes work, how to stay organized, and how to run the backend of a business smoothly.
--- Customer Support or Service Rep – Teaches you how to handle feedback, resolve issues, and improve customer satisfaction.
--- Retail or Hospitality Roles – Build problem-solving skills, people management, and time management under pressure.
Skills to Look For in Any Role:
- Problem solving
- Communication and persuasion
- Financial literacy (budgets, expenses, profit margins)
- Project management
- Basic data analysis
- Team collaboration
I would also recommend trying to freelance or start a side hustle while working—anything from selling on Etsy to offering digital services. It's the best way to get real entrepreneurial practice!
Internships or Jobs to Consider:
--- Startup Intern – Working at a startup gives you exposure to all aspects of a business. You’ll likely wear many hats, which is perfect for learning how a business runs from the inside out.
--- Sales Associate or SDR (Sales Development Rep) – Teaches you how to sell, understand customer needs, and build resilience—all essential for entrepreneurs.
--- Marketing Assistant or Social Media Intern – Helps you learn how to promote a product or brand, analyze what works, and engage with customers.
--- Operations or Admin Assistant – You'll learn how processes work, how to stay organized, and how to run the backend of a business smoothly.
--- Customer Support or Service Rep – Teaches you how to handle feedback, resolve issues, and improve customer satisfaction.
--- Retail or Hospitality Roles – Build problem-solving skills, people management, and time management under pressure.
Skills to Look For in Any Role:
- Problem solving
- Communication and persuasion
- Financial literacy (budgets, expenses, profit margins)
- Project management
- Basic data analysis
- Team collaboration
I would also recommend trying to freelance or start a side hustle while working—anything from selling on Etsy to offering digital services. It's the best way to get real entrepreneurial practice!