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Entry Level Business Graduate Jobs in Chicago, IL

... entry level Business Development Associate to develop and maintain client relationships and pursue new business. The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate or have one to two years of previous ...

... entry level Business Development Associate to develop and maintain client relationships and pursue new business. The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate or have one to two years of previous ...

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Entry Level Sales Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$700 - $1.4K/wk

A recent graduate or someone ready for a career change * Involved in sports, clubs, volunteering ... Customer Service | Sales | Communication | Customer Acquisition | Teamwork | Leadership | Business ...

New

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Entry Level Sales Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$700 - $1.4K/wk

A recent graduate or someone ready for a career change * Involved in sports, clubs, volunteering ... Customer Service | Sales | Communication | Customer Acquisition | Teamwork | Leadership | Business ...

New

Be Seen First

Entry Level Sales Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$700 - $1.4K/wk

A recent graduate or someone ready for a career change * Involved in sports, clubs, volunteering ... Customer Service | Sales | Communication | Customer Acquisition | Teamwork | Leadership | Business ...

New

Graduate Position Description: Are you driven by technology's ability to transform how businesses ... Come join our team-one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world.

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Entry Level Business Graduate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$39

$70

How much do entry level business graduate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level business graduate in Chicago, IL is $39.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.73 and $49.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level business graduate?

Entry level business graduates are individuals who have recently completed a degree in business or a related field and are starting their professional careers. They typically seek junior positions in areas like marketing, finance, management, human resources, or consulting. These roles are designed to help new graduates gain practical experience, develop workplace skills, and learn about the industry. Entry level business graduates are expected to bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and a willingness to learn as they begin to build their careers.

What types of projects or tasks can an entry level business graduate expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Business Graduate, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as market research, data analysis, preparing reports, and assisting with strategy development. You’ll likely support senior team members during client meetings, help coordinate cross-departmental initiatives, and contribute to process improvements. The role often involves learning different aspects of the business, offering a broad foundation and exposure to multiple departments, which is valuable for future career progression. Collaboration with colleagues from marketing, finance, and operations is common, helping you build a strong professional network early in your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level business graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Business Graduate, you need a solid understanding of business fundamentals, analytical thinking, and a relevant degree such as a Bachelor's in Business Administration or related field. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools like Excel, and CRM software is commonly expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities enable new graduates to effectively contribute to business operations, solve problems, and collaborate in dynamic workplace environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Business Graduate vs Business Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Business GraduateBusiness Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Economics, or related fieldBachelor's degree often required; certifications like CBAP or PMI-PBA beneficial
Work EnvironmentInternships, entry-level roles in corporate or consulting firmsAnalyzing data, preparing reports, collaborating with teams in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, recruitment agencies, entry-level job postingsCorporations, consulting firms, financial institutions

While both roles require a bachelor's degree and involve understanding business concepts, Entry Level Business Graduates typically seek initial roles to gain experience, whereas Business Analysts focus on analyzing data and processes to improve business performance. The roles often overlap in work environment and industry usage, but Business Analysts usually require additional analytical skills and certifications.

What is the easiest job to get with an entry level business graduate?

Entry level business graduates often find it easiest to secure roles such as administrative assistant, customer service representative, or sales associate, which typically require minimal experience and focus on communication and organizational skills. These positions often offer on-the-job training and have high turnover, making them accessible for recent graduates.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Business Graduate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Business Graduate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Business Graduate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Business Graduate job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Business Graduate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,772 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Business Development Associate

AEI Consultants

Chicago, IL • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
POSITION: Business Development Associate
POSITION SUMMARY
AEI Consultants has a new career opportunity available for an entry level Business Development Associate to develop and maintain client relationships and pursue new business. The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate or have one to two years of previous sales experience and an interest in building a career in business development. The individual will eventually assume sales responsibilities for a large book of business.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • The primary role will be to maintain and ground existing client accounts. Work with senior executives on maintaining and growing opportunities with existing clients while learning the aspects of the business
  • Work with a local sales executive who will be a mentor and provide guidance in the sales process
  • Work to price and prepare proposals for existing accounts
  • Attend local networking events to obtain leads and meet with clients
  • Maintain client satisfaction by understanding AEI's technical capabilities and client needs
  • Develop new sales opportunities through cold calling, setting appointments and selling the value of AEI

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Approximately 1-2 years of previous sales experience in commercial real estate, environmental consulting, or a related field
  • General understanding of commercial real estate markets
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Sales and goal-oriented
  • Professional, high energy, self-starter
  • Competitive attitude with demonstrated achievements in hitting goals
  • Exemplary customer service and relationship management skills
  • Ability to remain detail-oriented while working at a fast pace
  • Ability to proactively develop client relationships utilizing cold calling techniques

EDUCATION
  • BS or BA degree in Marketing, Sales, or a related field

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • The work environment may be both indoors and outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, type, handle office and/or field equipment, speak and hear. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, balance, kneel or crouch, and must be able to travel independently. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to focus.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & PERKS
AEI Consultants offers all full-time employees an outstanding, extensive benefits package, which among other benefits includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off and sick leave, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 401K, complimentary use of AEI's condo at Donner Lake in Truckee, CA, an Employee Referral Bonus Program, and Commuter Tax and Dependent Care Benefits.
COMPANY CULTURE
One of the primary reasons that our employees enjoy working at AEI is our positive company culture. We offer a collaborative, flexible and inclusive work environment where employees have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, make a positive impact on our clients and communities, and are encouraged to carve out a career path within the organization that best aligns with their interests and goals. We greatly value the contributions of our team members and prioritize employee wellness, safety, flexibility and work/life balance.
OVERVIEW
AEI Consultants is an employee-owned consulting firm that provides comprehensive services to commercial lenders, property owners, managers, tenants, and developers, industries, institutions, government agencies, and insurers, including many Fortune 500 companies. These services include environmental, property and facility assessments, zoning and energy consulting, site investigation and remediation, industrial hygiene, land surveying, valuation, and construction risk management. AEI specializes in identifying potential risks and crafting solutions through Environmental and Building Evaluation Consulting, Construction Services, Site Investigation and Remediation expertise. AEI Consultants is known for being reliable, responsive and resourceful. Founded in 1992, AEI is based in the San Francisco Bay area and has offices strategically located throughout the United States.
AEI Consultants values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for our employees and community. We encourage all applicants who are excited about this opportunity and share our career goals to apply, even if they don't meet every requirement. We are proud to offer equal employment opportunities, prohibiting discrimination and harassment based on various protected characteristics defined by law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment. At AEI Consultants, we believe that a diverse team is essential for our success, and we strive to attract, develop, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Salary Description
$60-65K + commission