According to the Job Outlook 2010 by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers plan to hire about 7 percent fewer new graduates during 2009-10 than they did in 2008-09. A few majors, however, are in demand; the top five are finance, accounting, mechanical engineering, business administration and management, and electrical engineering.
If you're graduating this year and looking for a career to fit within your major, check out some of these options and what the entry-level salary is, according to SalaryExpert.com.
Major: Education
If you major in education, you'll study how people learn and how best to teach them. You'll acquire skills such as how to set up and manage a classroom, create and teach inspiring lessons, and help students succeed no matter what their age, background or learning style.
· Elementary, middle or high school teacher: Provide children with a well-rounded education, covering all subjects in order to prepare students for college or employment. Starting salary: $35,719 - $36,195
· Adult educator: Teach a variety of subjects to adults in places such as community colleges, adult high schools or university extension programs. Starting salary: $31,679
· Preschool teacher: Introduce young children, usually age 3 to 6, to the world of school. Use games, storytelling and other activities to help kids expand language and vocabulary, improve social skills and learn basic science and math concepts. Starting salary: $27,805
Major: Engineering
Typically, engineering majors choose a concentration, of which there are many: civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical – the list goes on. Most disciplines use science and math to solve practical problems and help create things. Your career options will be based on the specific area you study.
· Urban and regional planner: Develop plans and programs for land use and physical facilities in towns, cities, counties and metropolitan areas with your civil engineering degree. Starting salary: $46,269
· Electronics engineer: Design, develop and test a wide range of electronic equipment, from CD players to global positioning systems with your electrical engineering degree. Starting salary: $59,131
· Game design and development professional: Learn all the technical skills necessary to create electronic games with your degree in computer software engineering. Starting salary: $44,211
Major: Foods, Nutrition and Wellness Studies
Foods, nutrition and wellness studies majors learn about food and its effect on our health, as well as about food preparation and safety, nutritional education and more.
· Dietician and nutritionist: While their job duties vary, dieticians and nutritionists share a common goal, which is to educate others on proper nutrition. They might develop a meal program for hospital patients, advise clients on how to lose weight or oversee food preparation. Starting salary: $41,592 and $36,282
· Chef: There are several types of chefs, from preparation to executive, but the majority spends their time planning menus and creating meals in a variety of settings. Starting salary: $35,538
· Food scientist: These folks research foods and develop new ways to preserve and package them. Starting salary: 37,898
Major: Forensic Science
Forensic science majors study science and criminal justice. They learn how to analyze evidence such as blood or DNA, plus how to apply it in a court of law.
· Crime laboratory analyst: Also called forensic scientists, analysts search for, collect, photograph and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes to help others piece together criminal investigations. They also provide expert options in court, if necessary. Starting salary: $39,568
· Detective: In a nutshell, detectives solve crimes, from robberies to homicides. To do so, they dig up facts, look for clues, interview people and collect evidence pertaining to each case. Starting salary: $37,461
· Clinical laboratory technologist: These folks might have a focus on forensic chemistry. Clinical laboratory technologists examine body fluids and tissue for signs or problem or disease. In this field, they are useful in determining toxicology on victims. Starting salary: N/A
Major: History
History majors learn about and interpret things from the past, from objects to written documents. They look at major events or people from history and study the effects they have on today's world.
· Historian: Look for clues from the past and help make sense of it all for other people, making the connection between the world as it was and the world as it is. Starting salary: $37,151
· Archivist: Archivists can work in a variety of business settings, but your primary role is to keep and file permanent records and historical documents. Some archivists also get involved on research projects. Starting salary: $44,741
· Conservator: To protect and preserve is your motto, and it's what you'll do with all the precious items you come across. Your job is to take historic objects and artifacts and restore them to their former glory. Starting salary: $25,348
Major: Marketing
Marketing majors learn how to figure out what people want, and how to create and sell products and services that will fulfill those desires.
· Market and survey researcher: Find out what people think by designing and conducting surveys via the Internet, mailed questionnaires or telephone interviews, and analyze the results to figure out what the public wants and needs. Starting salary: $43,485
· Meeting and event planner: Plan and oversee meetings, conventions and other events for business, organizations or individuals, working within a set budget to meet your clients' goals. Starting salary: $46,898
· Public relations specialist: Promote and represent your clients, whether they are individuals or companies, by writing press releases, pitching story ideas or coordinating media interviews. Starting salary: $39,684
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
