10 Great Jobs to Start After College

For a recent college grad, there’s often nothing more challenging than finding a job. However, there are some great jobs out there with very reasonable pay. You just have to know where to look. So if you’re in search of employment, here are 10 great jobs to start right after college.

1. Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst

If you are accepted for this position, you will be expected to analyze, design, test and evaluate network systems that include LAN, WAN, Internet, intranet and other data communications systems. This job, which follows computer science, information science or management information systems majors usually starts at a little over $40,000 and has an average 53.4 percent growth rate.

2. Financial Analyst

Also know as securities or investment analysts, financial analysts examine financial information to make suggestions to businesses on ways to invest money. The average rate of growth for this job is 34 percent and usually follows finance, economics, business administration, accounting and statistics majors. Starting pay in 2002 was $57,100.

3. Market Research Analyst

As a market research analyst, you will primarily be responsible for interpreting data, formulating reports and making recommendations based on what you’ve discovered. The starting pay is a little over $33,310 and its growth rate is about 20.1 percent. To step into this position, you should have a background in economics, finance or statistics. If you’re not quite a recent grad, a good way to get your foot in the door is to acquire summer internships in the marketing sector before graduating.

4. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are also known as communications or media specialists. In this position, you would serve as an advocate for the business, nonprofit organization, university, hospital or other organization you work for. Communications, public relations or journalism majors usually fall into this position. The rate of growth is 17.6 percent and the beginning wage averages $29,580.

5. Sales Agent (Financial Services / Securities and Commodities)

A financial services sales agent is often known as an investment banker. In this position, you would be responsible for helping businesses finance their operations. Also, you might make plans with investors who want to provide funding in exchange for debt or equity. If you are a securities sales agent (stock broker) you work as a middle man between investors and traders. Both positions look for business, finance, accounting or economics majors. Starting pay is around $30,000 and the rate of growth is 24.8 percent.

6. Educational, Vocational or School Counselor

As a counselor in the educational realm, you would counsel people in one-on-one sessions as well as in groups, administer tests to help people find their strengths and interest and maybe even help people face serious issues like child abuse. Counselors may have education, teaching or counseling degrees. The starting pay is around $28,000 and the rate of growth is 12.6 percent.

7. Paralegal / Legal Assistant

To walk in the door as a paralegal or legal assistant, you will likely need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. You should be prepared to help the attorney prepare for closings, hearings, trials and corporate meetings by investigating case facts. The starting pay for this position is around $28,000. The rate of growth is 22 percent.

8. Accountant or Auditor

Both accountant and auditor positions start with pay around $40,000 to $50,000; however, a specific employer may pay more or less. As an account, your job will be to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports, while an auditor (which is a type of accountant) usually works specifically to verify company financial records. To step into these jobs, you will need to major in accounting. Their rate of increase is around 18 percent.

9. Computer Support Specialists

Workers in this position are often referred to as help-desk technicians. For this job, responsibilities often include troubleshooting technical hardware, software and systems problems as well as answering phone calls and analyzing problems via automated diagnostic programs. The starting pay for this position is between $27,000 and $37,000 and the rate of growth is 12.9 percent.

10. Cost Estimators

Cost estimators work primarily in the construction industry and are responsible for accurately projecting upcoming project costs for their company to help ensure a profit. The beginning wage is around $32,000 with an 18.5 percent rate of growth. Recent grads with degrees in building science, construction management, architecture or engineering are often considered.