01 Jul What 16 CEOs learned from their first jobs

Landing that first job is often seen as a badge of success by college grads. This year, a large majority of them expect a position in their chosen field with formal training and a sizeable paycheck, according to a recent survey from consulting firm Accenture Ltd.

Interviews with 16 current and former CEOs suggest those expectations are overblown. Your earliest jobs may indeed brand you for life, their experiences show – but not always in the way you expect. A few first jobs serve as a professional boot camp or launching pad. But others turn out to be a side trip into the weeds or a lesson in jobs to avoid.

Sue Shellenbarger and Adam Auriemma – What 16 CEOs Learned From Their First Jobs