Best Jobs for new grads

[kaydee457 13]

2008 Job Outlook for New Grads and Others

by Kara Wahlgren, ClassesUSA

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Digg You're about to earn your degree -- now you're ready to earn the paycheck to match. According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14 million job openings are projected to spring up for degree-wielding professionals between 2004 and 2014, 6.9 million of which are expected to be open to new college graduates. These "pure-college" professions require at least a bachelor's degree and thus give college grads an edge over the competition.

It's no surprise that medicine and law fall into this category. But while those fields are notoriously competitive, opportunities abound in other areas. Accounting and IT are joining the roster of vocations that require a college degree -- and along with education, they comprise the fields expected to outpace all other pure-college occupations. Apply for one of these positions, and your degree could make all the difference.

1. Accountants and Auditors

Of the "pure college" professions, accounting has the most opportunities for non-grads, as 25 percent of workers in the field do not have a bachelor's degree. Although some entry-level positions may not require a degree, "if you're looking for growth in your career, you absolutely have to have a degree," according to Ralph Diaz, a senior recruiter with Accountants One, an accounting and financial placement team in Atlanta. But, he adds, "If you're looking for growth in your career, you absolutely have to have a degree."

This is especially true for certified public accountants, since aspiring CPAs are required to complete 150 college credits before even taking the exam. The payoff is that job opportunities in accounting far outnumber other business and finance positions.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 486,000

MEDIAN INCOME: $50,770

2. Computer Applications Software Engineers

Innovations in computer software have made computer applications software engineering one of the fastest growing fields in the job market. But although the occasional college dropout might land an enviable position (ahem, Bill Gates), most software engineers will need to complete a four-year curriculum.

"To get a position in the software field without a degree, you'd have to be a genius," said Dean Clairmont, a project manager with EES, an engineering executive search firm based in San Diego. "The bachelor's degree barely gets you in the door; you really want to pursue at least a master's in computer science."

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 268,000

MEDIAN INCOME: $74,980

3. Elementary School Teachers

A key component of the No Child Left Behind Act requires schools that receive federal funding under the Act to hire new teachers with bachelor's degrees and certification and to ensure that all teachers of core academic subjects have bachelor's degrees, certification, and competency in their fields. Currently, approximately 92 percent of elementary school teachers hold a bachelor's degree or higher. And teachers have plenty of incentive to further their education. Those who hold a master's degree in education often qualify for a higher salary, and many schools allow working teachers to pursue postgraduate degrees while still actively employed.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 587,000

MEDIAN INCOME: $43,160

4. Secondary School Teachers

Approximately 95 percent of secondary teachers have completed a bachelor's degree; teachers are typically encouraged to pursue a degree in the subject they wish to teach before completing their required education courses and certification program.

Want to improve your chances of landing a position? Earn your degree in one of the most sought-after areas of expertise -- math, science or bilingual studies.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 436,000

MEDIAN INCOME: $45,650

5. Postsecondary Teachers

As college degrees become increasingly essential, so do college professors. The field of postsecondary education is expected to grow at twice the national average -- and offer more job opportunities than any other pure-college occupation.

A degree is required for anyone who wants to take advantage. Kristina Quay, an instructor at Sampson Community College in North Carolina, attests that her master's degree in education was vital to her attaining a faculty position: "There's no way you'll get hired without it," she says.

EXPECTED OPENINGS: 892,000

MEDIAN INCOME: $51,800

2008 jobs

[Niels Bohr 72]

That's good to know.

[eekee 182]

too bad that if you're graduating it's too late to study any of these fields.

[Jenn! 918]

3 of the top 5 in teaching?

Really?

[BabyBlueSusie 1]

3 of the top 5 in teaching?

Really?

I also thought that was strange

[Heracles 417]

Understandable. They are talking about job growth / demand. There are a lot of teachers retiring and not too many people to take their place. Teaching is a demanding job in 2008. I don't know how people do it. I would knock half the kids out with their bad attitude.

[*julez* 124]

And yet here in Buffalo the local colleges are churning out teachers, only to have the recent grads find that there aren't any teaching jobs available here.

[Heracles 417]

It's funny to hear that because every person seems to be going to college here yet then you have companies crying for the H-1 visa quota to be increased.

[eekee 182]

Yeah, I don't get that. Everyone I know who is graduating is having a terrible time finding a job.

It's funny to hear that because every person seems to be going to college here yet then you have companies crying for the H-1 visa quota to be increased.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

3 of the top 5 in teaching?

Really?

Even more surprising is that professors make only circa 7K more than K-12 teachers --- kinda crazeeeee

[BabyBlueSusie 1]

3 of the top 5 in teaching?

Really?

Even more surprising is that professors make only circa 7K more than K-12 teachers --- kinda crazeeeee

well, i dont think that is necessarily true...perhaps with starting salaries it is, but being a professor allows for more advancement opportunity

[Chica Yeyé 41]

3 of the top 5 in teaching?

Really?

Even more surprising is that professors make only circa 7K more than K-12 teachers --- kinda crazeeeee

well, i dont think that is necessarily true...perhaps with starting salaries it is, but being a professor allows for more advancement opportunity

Very true my friend. I was just making a comment on the start-up salaries mentioned in the OP's post; but you're certainly right.

[HAL 9000 96]

Understandable. They are talking about job growth / demand. There are a lot of teachers retiring and not too many people to take their place. Teaching is a demanding job in 2008. I don't know how people do it. I would knock half the kids out with their bad attitude.

Its all about patience and the ability to be able to shut up when you are supposed to.

Teaching was a very demanding profession, but even more rewarding than my previous profession. And having a couple of months of paid vacation was not that bad. I made up for the low pay by working extra during some of that free time. Travel the rest.

[Dr. Obvious 49]

too bad that if you're graduating it's too late to study any of these fields.

None of those jobs look too attractive to me.