It's typically a good time to be in school during a weak economy, but it's not exactly the best time to be putting yourself on the job market for the first time. There are less jobs available and more competitive applicant pools for open positions, so new graduates would do themselves a favor to narrow their focus on professions that will have more open spots than most.
Authors Laurence Shatkin and Michael Farr just updated their book 200 Best Jobs for College Graduates to reflect today's job market, and Forbes looked at the top ten jobs on the list along with the typical starting salaries for each. Visit Forbes to learn more about the job descriptions and growth projections for these positions.
- Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst, $40,100
- Sales Agent, Financial Services, $30,890
- Sales Agent, Securities and Commodities, $30,890
- Market Research Analyst, $33,310
- Public Relations Specialist, $29,580
- Cost Estimator (in construction and manufacturing), $32,470
- Educational, Vocational and School Counselor, $28,430
- Actuary, $48,750
- Paralegal and Legal Assistant, $28,360
- Computer Support Specialist, $25,950
I hate that I had to switch careers midstream. It's funny how quickly you fall back to
entry level.
The income for school counselor is WAY different than what I make. First year for me is over $41,000.
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