If you are getting your first job or if you are now starting the journey to save for retirement, a 401k plan is a great place to start. A 401k plan is a retirement savings program. They are employer sponsored. For that reason, you need to work for a company that has an available plan. If that plan is available, what is the next step?
You may not have to do anything. Some companies automatically make 401k plans a part of their compensation program. This means that you may automatically be enrolled in a program. Since this is rare, it is best to ask. Even if your enrollment is automatic, it is still up to you to determine your contributions.
As previously stated, you need to ask your employer about a 401k. If you are job searching and concerned with retirement, ask all prospects. Even if you have yet to be hired, consider this. You want and need to save for retirement. A 401k is a simple way to do so. If you have two similar job offers, but only one company sponsors a 401k program, opt for that company.
401k programs are optional and company sponsored. If your company does sponsor a program, you still may not qualify.