Once you graduate, you probably prefer to start working immediately with a permanent contract. And of course, you can. But if you do not yet know exactly what you want, it may be advisable to start with a temporary contract for a certain period. This gives you the chance to get a taste of different jobs and to get to know the ins and outs of several organizations, so that you can discover for yourself what you prefer to do and what you want to advance in.  

Have you recently graduated, or will you obtain your degree soon? Then you might also want to know what salary you can expect in your first job. Asia Skifati, Associate Director at Robert Walters, explains what salary you can expect as an entry-level professional with up to three years of experience in several business support positions.  

Administration 

If you start your career in a role as a Receptionist, Office Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Management Assistant or Legal Assistant, you can expect a minimum gross monthly salary of 2,200 EUR. Asia: "Some organizations even offer starters a little more. At large international organizations, the starting salary for positions within administration can even reach 2300 to 2500 EUR gross per month."  

Sales & marketing 

Are you a born salesperson? Then you might aspire to a job within sales. As a starting Account Manager, you can count on a gross monthly salary between 2300 and 3000 EUR per month. "Professionals in pure sales function often receive a bonus on top of this, depending on the results achieved," Asia adds.  

Do you prefer to take on the supporting tasks within sales? Then opt for a role as Sales Assistant or Inside Sales Manager. The starting salary for these professionals is between 2300 and 3000 EUR gross per month.  

Are you more the creative jack-of-all-trades who can't wait to get started in a marketing position? An entry-level Marketing Assistant earns on average between 2300 and 2800 EUR gross per month. If you prefer marketing & communication or digital marketing, you can count on a salary between 2500 and 3000 EUR gross per month.  

Human Resources 

Do you dream of helping the organization grow and bringing the right colleagues on board? Then a job in recruitment is just the thing for you. As a starting recruitment consultant, you will earn between 2000 and 2500 EUR gross per month. Asia: "Human resources obviously encompasses much more than recruitment. Just think of all the administration related to learning & development, fleet management, vacation arrangements, etc." As an HR Assistant, you will learn all the tricks of the trade and can count on a salary between 2500 and 3000 EUR gross per month. Is payroll more your thing? As a Payroll Officer with 0 to 3 years of experience, you will earn on average between 2700 and 3200 EUR gross per month.  

Customer Service 

As a Customer Service Representative, you act as the organization's first point of contact when customers contact customer service. Every question is different, so every day looks a little different. Something for you? If so, as a starter you can count on a gross monthly salary between 2300 and 2900 EUR.  

Supply Chain 

As a Logistics Assistant, you offer support in the logistics organization, for example in a hospital. If you are just starting out in this position, you can expect a salary between EUR 2400 and 3000 gross per month.   

As Junior Supply Chain Officer you are responsible, together with your colleagues, for monitoring the entire logistics process. You are jointly responsible for planning and closely following up on deliveries. For this you can count on a gross monthly salary between 2500 and 3100 EUR.   

Are organization and communication in your blood? Then a job as Import & Export Coordinator is just the thing for you. Organizing transport, following up on logistical tasks and making sure everything runs in line with local legislation and regulations are the main tasks you will be involved in. As a starter, you can count on a gross monthly salary between 2500 and 3100 EUR.  

As Purchase Coordinator or Buyer, you will work in the purchase department of the organization. You will help ensure that materials are purchased at the best price/quality ratio. You are in daily contact with suppliers and ensure that the administrative processing runs smoothly. With 0 to 3 years of experience in this position, you can expect an average gross monthly salary between 2500 and 3000 EUR gross per month. 

Look beyond salary 

"When a potential employer makes you a salary offer, they always talk about gross monthly amounts. Do you have several job applications pending, and have you received multiple job offers? If so, look beyond just this gross monthly amount.

Most organizations also offer numerous fringe benefits such as meal vouchers, a mileage allowance or assistance with transport costs if you use public transport, a cell phone, an insurance package, a laptop, etc.   

Also consider the practical issues when comparing several job offers: is the employer easily accessible or do you lose a lot of time on the way to the office? Is hybrid working applied within the organization? Are the working hours fixed or rather flexible?   

Also ask during the job interview what your future will look like within the organization. Are training opportunities offered, for example? Is a growth path outlined for starting professionals?   

Only when you have an answer to these questions can you thoroughly compare several job offers and determine for yourself what you find most important, so that you can make the right choice," Asia concludes.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our latest vacancies in business support. Want to know your worth? Compare your salary with the online Robert Walters Salary Survey tool.