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Graduate Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At least High School graduate; Associate degree, preferred or equivalent combination of education & experience in team leadership from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been ...

Sales Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

College graduate * Sales experience Preferred: * Has been on a Grouper How to Apply Email the following to jobs@joingrouper.com (subject: "Sales Associate"): * A short paragraph on why you want to ...

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

College graduate Sales experience Preferred: Has been on a Grouper How to Apply Email the following to jobs@joingrouper.com (subject: "Sales Associate"): A short paragraph on why you want to work at ...

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Graduate Associate information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do graduate associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate associate in California is $19.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Associate, you typically need a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, strong analytical abilities, and solid academic achievements. Familiarity with productivity software (such as Microsoft Office Suite), business analytics tools, or specialized industry platforms is often required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and a proactive attitude are crucial soft skills for excelling in this early-career role. These competencies enable Graduate Associates to contribute effectively, learn quickly, and add value to dynamic teams in fast-paced organizational environments.

What does a graduate associate do?

A graduate associate typically supports departmental projects, conducts research, and assists with administrative tasks under supervision. They often work in academic or organizational settings, gaining experience relevant to their field of study and developing skills such as data analysis, communication, and teamwork.

What are Graduate Associates?

Graduate Associates are typically recent university graduates who are hired by organizations into structured, entry-level programs designed to develop their professional skills. These programs often include rotations through different departments, mentorship opportunities, and formal training sessions. The goal is to prepare graduates for long-term careers within the organization by exposing them to various aspects of the business. Graduate Associate roles are common in fields such as finance, consulting, technology, and engineering. Participants usually have the chance to network, learn industry-specific skills, and gain hands-on experience.

Is 27 too old for a graduate scheme?

Graduate schemes are typically designed for recent graduates and often target candidates aged 21 to 25, but age is not a strict barrier. Many employers value skills, experience, and motivation over age, so candidates aged 27 can still be competitive if they demonstrate relevant abilities and enthusiasm for the role.

What professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

Some high-paying professions that can reach $200,000 annually without a college degree include commercial pilots, real estate brokers, and certain sales managers. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, or extensive experience, and may involve high levels of responsibility or commission-based income.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Graduate Associate expect during their rotation period?

As a Graduate Associate, you can expect to work on a variety of projects across different departments, such as marketing, finance, operations, or product development. Responsibilities often include data analysis, preparing reports, participating in team meetings, and supporting senior staff with ongoing initiatives. The rotational structure is designed to give you broad exposure to the company and industry, allowing you to develop a well-rounded skill set and identify your preferred career path. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is common, and you'll frequently be encouraged to contribute fresh ideas and take initiative on assignments.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a Graduate Associate, high-paying roles that can reach $4,000 a week without a degree typically involve sales, real estate, or skilled trades such as commercial driving or certain tech support positions. These jobs often require strong communication skills, certifications, or experience rather than formal higher education.

What is the difference between Graduate Associate vs Intern?

AspectGraduate AssociateIntern
Required CredentialsTypically recent graduates or students pursuing advanced degreesUsually students or early-stage learners, often undergraduates
Work EnvironmentProfessional, project-based, often in finance, consulting, or corporate settingsLearning-focused, supportive roles, often in summer or semester internships
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in finance, consulting, law firms, and corporate sectorsWidely used across industries for training and talent pipeline

The main difference between a Graduate Associate and an Intern lies in their experience level and responsibilities. Graduate Associates are usually recent graduates or graduate students working in professional roles with more responsibility, while Interns are typically students gaining introductory experience. Both roles serve as entry points into their respective industries, but Graduate Associates often have more advanced skills and longer-term employment prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Associate jobs in California? For Graduate Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Associate job openings:
Graduate Employment Specialist - CCC

Graduate Employment Specialist - CCC

Concorde Career Colleges, Inc.

San Bernardino, CA

$25 - $27.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

 Graduate Employment Specialist

Pay Grade: $25.00 - $27.81

The Graduate Employment Specialist (GES) is responsible for managing relationships with students and employers to execute effective job matching such that graduates are placed and tracked in a way that meets/exceed benchmarks. The GES advises and develops students/graduates regarding career/job search process through world class customer service to prepare them for employment. This position handles day - to- day administrative duties for the GE department. All Concorde associates are required to display professionalism and uphold Concorde’s Mission and the core values of respect for the individual, integrity, teamwork, customer service, and achievement.

In addition to joining an organization with an outstanding mission, Concorde is happy to provide the following Benefits You'll Love - 

  • Tuition Waiver: Enjoy a tuition waiver after 6 months of employment for you AND your immediate family offered at UTI and Concorde campuses
  • Paid Time Off: Competitive paid time off programs for employees (Vacation, Sick, Flexible)
  • Retirement Matching: 50% match on the first 6% of your contributions after 90 days
  • Paid Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby
  • Competitive Insurance: Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents
  • Pet Insurance: Competitive coverage for your furry family members through ASPCA
  • Health Plan Enrollment: Eligibility starts first of the month following completing one full month of employment

Principal Accountabilities & Deliverables

  • Meet or exceed placement accreditation benchmarks as assigned
  • Build and maintain relationships with students, graduates, alumni so as to ensure continuity of contact, understanding of skills/needs and effective job matching
  • Timely and accurate maintenance of documentation in CampusNexus and Graduate Employment files
  • Deliver/facilitate impactful professional development workshops (via Pathway to Placement and other community resources)
  • Build/maintain relationships with employers to ensure continuity of relationship and successful Concorde graduate placement.
  • Manage process of student interviews ensuring timely and professional follow up and coordination
  • Assist in planning and participate in campus activities such as graduation ceremonies, job fairs, PAC meetings, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned (to include Student Appreciation events)

Education / Experience

  • Associate degree or higher required. Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • 1-3 years of experience in higher education career services, placement industry or Student Affairs
  • Microsoft Office proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, TEAMS)
  • Goal setting/quota experience to meet designated outcomes
  • Excellent interpersonal, customer service and organizational skills including attention to detail
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Knowledge of/relation with community and local employment opportunities
  • Exhibits advanced skills to include critical thinking in training and career guidance

Abilities

  • Other Requirements: Evening and possibly some weekend work required

Standard Abilities

  • Able and willing to:
    • Communicate, think, learn, and reason
    • Use computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to process transactions, store documents, enter data, or perform assigned tasks
    • Safely ambulate and/or maneuver when on-site at Company locations
    • Demonstrate and utilize active listening, inductive reasoning, information ordering and category flexibility
  • Ability to use good judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information with discretion
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential and multiple projects are worked simultaneously 
  • Ability to gain, understand and apply information and data as it relates essential functions of the position
  • Ability to foster long-term relationships with stakeholders