Best Job Choices for New College Grads
Want a decent paycheck? Get a college degree. Over the next several years, roughly 7 million new jobs are expected to spring up for degree-wielding professionals. They’re called pure-college occupations. So now more than ever, getting that college diploma gives a person a significant edge over the competition. Pure-college occupations include the usual lineup of medicine and law, where a doctorate degree is the norm, but competition in those fields is stiff. So what are some other occupations students should consider? Here are the best choices for new college grads, courtesy of MSN news and the BLS – the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Elementary school teachers. More than half a million will be hired through 2014 - and teaching the ABCs is serious business! A key component of the No Child Left Behind Act made it mandatory for all teachers to earn a bachelor's degree and certification. Those who hold a master's degree often qualify for a higher salary. Plus, many schools allow teachers to pursue their postgraduate degrees while still actively employed! The average salary? Approximately $43,000 per year.
- Postsecondary teaching. As college degrees become increasingly essential in the workplace, so do the instructors who provide them. In fact, the BLS reports that this field will offer more job opportunities than any other pure-college occupation over the next few years. Having a college degree to teach at a university is an absolute must. In fact, you’re not likely to get hired with less than a master’s. Average income? Roughly $52,000.
- Computer applications software engineers. Computer software is constantly evolving, which means software engineering is one of the fastest growing fields in the job market. Yes, you CAN get a position without a degree, but you’d have to be a genius. Most engineers will need to master the nitty-gritty coding knowledge provided by a 4-year curriculum. Since this field was practically made for online learning, you can improve your skills while working in an entry-level position. Your expected income? About $75,000.
