Top Four Jobs College Grads Want

If you’re a recent graduate making your first strides into the job market, it can be helpful to know which jobs are in high demand among your peers. After all, knowing the competitive landscape can help you better prepare your own application. What follows are the top four jobs graduates want according to LinkedIn, along with salary information and some recommended steps to help you stand apart from the competition during your job search. 

1. Software engineer:You can become a software engineer with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong coding skills. However, to stand out from the pack, you’re best advised to work hard to improve your skills. One way to do this is by participating in coding challenges at HackerRank,CodeChef, and similar sites. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineers can earn an average of $103,560 per year, and they’re looking at a job growth of 24 percent by 2026.
2. Investment banking analyst: There’s a high demand for investment banking analysts, with the job growth projected to be 11 percent over the next eight years. To become an investment banking analyst, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in finance or business. As Brian O’Connell advises in his Investopediaarticle “How to Become an Investment Bank Analyst,” some of the most desirable positions will require you to have an MBA. In addition to strong analytical skills, you’ll need good interpersonal skills; plus, it’s helpful if you speak Chinese, German, Spanish, or some other language. You can expect an average pay of $84,300 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3. Marketing coordinator: In her Chronarticle “What Are the Qualifications to Be a Marketing Coordinator?” Lisa McQuerrey states that in addition to a bachelor’s degree in communications or marketing, you’ll also need robust knowledge of marketing techniques, strong communicational skills, and good interpersonal skills. You can further ramp up your qualifications by demonstrable project management experience. And remember, since companies have more and more channels to reach consumers, you always need to be up to date on developments in your field. On average, a marketing coordinator can expect to earn $50,330 per year.
4. Graphic designer: Having a bachelor’s degree in graphic design is just the first step. You’ll also need a strong portfolio of completed projects — preferably ones you’ve done for clients. You can also make yourself stand out by doing well in competitions or gaining some other kind of recognition for your work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for graphic designers is slower than average at four percent. Nevertheless, you can expect an annual salary of $48,700. 

Now that you know how to prepare a more attractive application, it’s time to get to work. And remember: Keep trying, even if you don’t land the job of your dreams right away. The trick is to gain experience in your field — and that can often best be accomplished by working with a recruiter from a reputable job placement agency.

Sources:

https://learning.linkedin.com/blog/top-skills/the-most-popular-jobs-for-new-graduates--and-the-skills-you-need

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/10/linkedin-the-10-jobs-grads-want-most-and-how-much-they-pay.html

https://www.codechef.com

https://www.hackerrank.com/

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/professionals/082813/how-become-investment-bank-analyst.asp

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm

http://work.chron.com/qualifications-marketing-coordinator-7374.html

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm