While caps are thrown and the names are read at the 2011 Commencement ceremonies, the question of “Now what?” looms in the air as graduates face the intense job competition in the still-struggling economy. Luckily, University Chic has your back with a list of companies that are notorious for substantial entry-level hiring so you can be on the fast track with your career.

For 2011, CollegeGrad.com predicts Teach for America to take on the most grads with 4,925 hires. Teach for America gives students the opportunity to provide education in underprivileged cities across America. They typically make between $30,000-50,000. Don’t be fooled by the high number of positions, though. Being selected is a rigorous process, which includes an application and several rounds of interviews.

Verizon Wireless is projected to be number two on the list, losing its’ number one spot from 2010. Last year, the telecommunications company hired 10,500 entry-level employees, and they are planning to take on another 4,250 this year. They offer positions in costumer service and sales as well as technical and professional areas. Join the 86,000 people that Verizon Wireless employs across the country.

Car rental conglomerate Hertz places third this year at 4,000 entry-level hires, jumping from last year’s number of 3,500. Careers through Hertz cover a multitude of career fields including accounting, marketing, human resources and even driving. Hertz locations are located across the country, which means that positions are available in your area. Similarly, Enterprise Rent-A-Car hired 8,000 entry-level employees last year, earning the company a number two rank.

For those who do not see their career choice in the above list, don’t fret! CollegeGrad has a full list available on their website of last year’s top employers and their projections so far for 2011. Take a deep breath, grads, University Chic will get you through.

— By Marissa Kameno, Quinnipiac University