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Graduate Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Sales Associate

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$16.37/hr

Minimum of high school graduate or GED. * Knowledge of woodworking and hand tools required ... associates. * Must be able to stand for long periods of time, personally lift up to 50 lbs. on a ...

Associate Dentist

Austin, MN · On-site

$10K - $15K/mo

Associate Dentist (Full-Time) Legacy Dental | Austin, Minnesota $10,000-$15,000+/Month ... Whether you're an experienced clinician or a recent graduate seeking mentorship, you'll join a ...

Optical Sales Associate

Willmar, MN · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Willmar, MN. On ... School Graduate or equivalent · Maintain license as required by state · To become Certified ...

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Red Wing, MN. On ... School Graduate or equivalent · Maintain license as required by state · To become Certified ...

Optical Sales Associate

Marshall, MN · On-site

$16 - $22.40/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Marshall, MN. On ... School Graduate or equivalent · Maintain license as required by state · To become Certified ...

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Alexandria, MN ... School Graduate or equivalent · Maintain license as required by state · To become Certified ...

Optical Sales Associate

Red Wing, MN · On-site

$16 - $22.40/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Red Wing, MN. On ... School Graduate or equivalent · Maintain license as required by state · To become Certified ...

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in St. Cloud West ... School Graduate or equivalent · Maintain license as required by state · To become Certified ...

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Hutchinson, MN ... School Graduate or equivalent · Maintain license as required by state · To become Certified ...

Optical Sales Associate

Duluth, MN · On-site

$16 - $22.40/hr

Shopko Optical is seeking a Full-time Optical Sales Associate to join our team in Duluth, MN. On ... School Graduate or equivalent · Maintain license as required by state · To become Certified ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Associate information

See Minnesota salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do graduate associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate associate in Minnesota is $19.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate associate?

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 is a graduate associate?

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.

What 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 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Associate jobs in Minnesota? For Graduate Associate jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Graduate Associate jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Graduate Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,476 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

DSW Associate Store Manager

Designer Brands

Maplewood, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Designer Brands rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

General Summary
Supports and performs the following functions alongside store management: customer service, merchandising, omni activities and all inventory-related actions to drive sales and results. Partners with the management team to understand daily/weekly/monthly store priorities. Participates in and supports merchandise placement, fulfillment and store recovery. Participates in monitoring associate compliance to all company policies and procedures, adheres to Asset Protection standards and assists in assigned projects and tasks to support service levels which include opening and closing the store.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Be empowered to meet the customer where they are and personalize their experience:
  • Elevate in-store experience by modeling Customer Experience Leader (CEL) behaviors and coaching associate behaviors to achieve store goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Responsible for responding to customer and associate requests or feedback with a high sense of urgency.
  • Ensures customers have a positive experience by maintaining DSW store standards. Completes all tasks related to daily open/close including store cleaning, recovery and maintenance standards.
  • Review and communicate action plan to ensure all tasks are completed throughout the day/week/month.

Be committed to the customer having a consistent positive experience:
  • Improve metric-based goals by reviewing, understanding and clearly communicating daily/weekly/monthly progress.
  • Increase sales by leveraging inventory reports to maximize productivity and merchandise presentations on the sales floor.
  • Ensures execution of processes related to audits, donations, transfers, mismates, damages, etc.
  • Work closely with the Store Manager to understand and ensure that all policy and procedures are followed.

Bring the power of shoes to life by leveraging in-store and digital services:
  • Sets clear expectations, participates, and follows up on all inventory related activities including but not limited to freight receipt, product placement, markdowns, and mark out of stock (MOOS).
  • Sets clear expectations, participates and follows up on all omni activities in store including but not limited to Charge/Send and Buy Online Pick Up In Store (BOPIS).
  • Collects and submits all supply needs to ensure successful operations in all areas of the business.

Be responsible to pause and the put the customer first:
  • Responsible for ensuring a safe environment for both customers and associates. Ensure all equipment is in good operating condition and checked regularly by reporting issues to Store Manager.
  • Responsible for ensuring associates are equipped in successfully resolving customer concerns and aware of when to escalate to the Store Manager.
  • Support Store Manager with associate timekeeping activities to ensure all store labor deliverables are met. This includes scheduling, forecasting, payroll management, etc.
  • Support Store Manager in resolving associate relations matters. Provides feedback to the Store Manager on associate performance and communicates associate relations issues to Store Manager for follow up.

Bring fun and energy to everything you do:
  • Recognize the store team through our company recognition tools.
  • Support development of the store team through training, coaching, feedback and motivation.
  • Assists in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding Store Associate candidates.
  • Delegate and/or perform all other associate duties within store.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Store Manager and/or Co-Manager.

Required Skills:
  • Excellent customer service by exhibiting professionalism, a positive mindset, and enthusiasm.
  • Ability to develop collaborative working relationships.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to move with tempo and hold team accountable to meet time bound expectations.
  • Must have availability to meet the needs of the business including nights, weekends, holidays, and shifts outside of traditional business hours.
  • Proficient in the use of technology to successfully engage in customer interactions (Register, Register Keyboard, iPhone, Calculator,).
  • Must have the ability to spend up to 100% of working time standing or walking around the store.
  • Lifting, including the ability to lift up to a maximum of 50 pounds on an occasional to frequent basis.
  • Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl on a frequent basis.

Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years management experience.
  • Minimum high school graduate or equivalent.
  • Some college preferred.

What Designer Brands employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Designer Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Designer Brands Inc. is one of North America's largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories. * Designer Brands Inc. operates a portfolio of retail concepts in nearly 1,000 locations under the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Shoe Warehouse brands and operates leased locations in the U.S through its Affiliated Business Group. * Designer Brands designs and produces footwear and accessories through Camuto Group, a leading manufacturer selling in more than 5,400 doors worldwide.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, OH, US

Year founded

1969