Find out what it takes to land a high-paying job right after college.
Think it's not possible to find a great-paying job straight out of college? Think again.
According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the class of 2010 enjoyed an average starting salary offer of $48,661.
"We hear that schools are seeing an increase in the number of employers recruiting on campus," says Andrea Koncz, an employment information manager with the NACE.
"Generally speaking, that's a very good sign for this year's graduating class," adds Koncz.
[Train for an entry-level job that pays. Find the right school now.]
According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the class of 2010 enjoyed an average starting salary offer of $48,661.
"We hear that schools are seeing an increase in the number of employers recruiting on campus," says Andrea Koncz, an employment information manager with the NACE.
"Generally speaking, that's a very good sign for this year's graduating class," adds Koncz.
[Train for an entry-level job that pays. Find the right school now.]
Check out this list of entry-level careers that pay:
- Computer Support Specialist
- Accountant
- Paralegal
- Registered Nurse
- Market Researcher
#1 - Computer Support Specialist
Looking for a career you can train for...fast? Working in technology support may be your best bet, says Keith Ordan, a partner with The Intersect Group, a staffing and consulting firm in Atlanta and Chicago. "We're seeing a very robust increase in demand for IT professionals across the board," Ordan says. "This includes entry-level positions on help desks, offering trouble-shooting and technology support."What it takes: Employers need to know that you have the basic computer skills necessary to work on a help desk. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an associate's degree is often enough to qualify for entry-level support positions. Certificate programs in technology support can also help get you started.
What it pays: The average salary for computer support specialists is $47,360.
[Search for IT career training programs]
#2 - Accountant
Taking a backseat only to the high-tech industry is job growth in the accounting and finance fields, according to Ordan. Clerking in accounts payable and collections departments are typical opportunities, Ordan says. "These positions would allow you to move into a more senior accounting role down the line," he adds.What it takes: Accounting services firms extended more job offers to the class of 2010 than any other industry, according to NACE, and accounting majors received the bulk of those opportunities. While a bachelor's degree is best, a shorter associate's degree program can provide quick entry into the field.
What it pays: College grads with a bachelor's degree in accounting have an average starting salary of $44,600, according to PayScale's 2010-11 College Salary Report. The average for accountants and auditors is $67,430, according to the Department of Labor.
[Search for Accounting and Finance programs]
#3 - Paralegal
When looking at starting salary and job growth opportunities, staffing firm Robert Half International pegged paralegals as one of its hottest careers for 2011.What it takes: According to the Department of Labor, employers prefer paralegals with an associate's or bachelor's degree so enrolling in a paralegal studies program is an excellent way to get a job straight out of college. If you already have a degree in an unrelated area, consider getting a paralegal certificate, which can usually be completed in less than one year.
What it pays: Paralegals with no prior work experience can expect a starting salary between $28,862 and $38,761, according to PayScale. Average pay for paralegals is $50,080, according to the Department of Labor.
[Find Paralegal programs near you]
#4 - Registered Nurse
Health care reform is expected to add 44 million Americans to the list of the insured, adding to the demand for registered nurses. According to the Department of Labor, nearly 600,000 new job openings are expected for registered nurses between 2008 and 2018.What it takes: While an associate's degree in nursing is enough to land a job out of college, the Department of Labor stresses that registered nurses with a bachelor's degree enjoy more employment opportunities.
What it pays: College grads with a bachelor's degree in nursing have an average starting pay of $52,700, according to PayScale. Registered nurses have an average salary of $66,530, according to 2009 Department of Labor figures.
[Search for Nursing degree programs]
#5 - Market Researcher
The rebounding economy will lead to more data and analysis by companies looking for new market share opportunities. Not surprisingly, the need for market researchers is expected to explode through 2018, according to the Department of Labor, which forecasts a 28 percent surge in job openings.What it takes: According to the Department of Labor, a bachelor's degree is usually needed for an entry-level position as a market or survey researcher. Undergraduate business courses are a great way to prep for a career in marketing.
What it pays: The average salary is $67,500. This figure soars north of $80,000 for researchers in the computer industry.
[Find Marketing and Business degree programs]
-------------------------------------------------------------
By Chris Kyle
No comments:
Post a Comment