NACE names top-paying industry for class of 2012
January 26, 2012
Individuals who want to land a high-paying job after graduating from college may want to consider going to work on Wall Street.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that securities employers paid the highest average starting salary for Class of 2011 bachelor's degree graduates.
NACE's Winter 2012 Salary Survey shows that securities employers paid an average starting salary of $58,571. Overall, these employers provided jobs to 42,000 Class of 2011 grads.
The securities industry includes "firms that underwrite securities issues, act as agents (i.e. brokers), provide securities and commodity exchange service and provide services such as managing portfolios," according to Workforce.com.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment opportunities for financial analysts are expected to grow much faster than other occupations until 2018. However, competition to get these positions is high, especially among recent graduates.
"For those aspiring to financial analyst jobs, a strong academic background, including courses such as finance, accounting and economics, is essential," reports the BLS.
A master's degree in business or finance as well as certifications such as a CFA (chartered financial analyst) may also improve an individual's job prospects, according to the BLS.
Those who want to work in this high-paying industry but need assistance to complete their college education can rest easy knowing that various scholarships for adults, grants and financial aid exist to make getting a college degree achievable for everyone.
