Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

The First Jobs of Highly Successful People Did you know that Meghan Markle, the actress turned Duchess of Sussex, worked as a calligraphy writer?

By Entrepreneur Staff Edited by Dan Bova

Chris Jackson | Getty Images

Everyone has to enter the workforce somewhere, even royalty. Before Meghan Markle tied the knot with Prince Harry or landed her big break as an actress on Suits, she worked as a wedding invitation calligraphy writer.

"I would sit there with a little white tube sock on my hand so no hand oils got on the card, trying to pay my bills while auditioning," Markle told Esquire.

Related: 11 Successful Entrepreneurs Reveal What They Learned From Their First Jobs

Though the Duchess of Sussex didn't handwrite the invitations to her own royal wedding, she knows the most accomplished people worked their fair share of jobs.

From stripper to banana mascot to christmas tree exterminator, here are the odd first jobs that highly successly people had to do to make ends meet.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Models

How to Become an AI-Centric Business (and Why It's Crucial for Long-Term Success)

Learn the essential steps to integrate AI at the core of your operations and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Business News

'Creators Left So Much Money on the Table': Kickstarter's CEO Reveals the Story Behind the Company's Biggest Changes in 15 Years

In an interview with Entrepreneur, Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor explains the decision-making behind the changes, how he approaches leading Kickstarter, and his advice for future CEOs.

Career

Is Consumer Services a Good Career Path for 2024? Here's the Verdict

Consumer services is a broad field with a variety of benefits and drawbacks. Here's what you should consider before choosing it as a career path.