to begin to do something in business or a job, or to begin your working life in a particular way: I learned that lesson three years after starting out in the venture-capital business. I started out as a sales assistant in a store.

to begin your life, or the part of your life when you work, in a particular way: start out as My dad started out as a salesperson in a store.

start out vb (intr, adverb) 1. to set out on a journey 2. to take the first steps, as in life, one's career, etc: he started out as a salesman. 3. to take the first actions in an activity in a particular way or specified aim: they started out wanting a house, but eventually bought a flat.