Top Jobs and Industries for the Class of 2015

Top Jobs and Industries for the Class of 2015


There’s some good news for the graduating class of 2015. According to a new report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies plan to hire 9.6 percent more new graduates from the Class of 2015 for their U.S. operations than they did from the Class of 2014.

[Related: Top 10 Entry Level Jobs for 2015]

So if you’re preparing to walk across the graduation stage to accept your degree or know of someone graduating in 2015, IBISWorld, a market research firm, compiled a list of the top nine industries for new graduates:

Accounting Services
Average industry wage (2015): $67,474
Occupations: Accountant and Auditor; Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerk; Financial Manager
The 2015 industry findings show a stable field for recent graduates, especially accountants and auditors who will go on to earn statutory titles, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Additionally, the industry is closely tied to the health of the overall economy, which has been accelerating in recent years.

Software Publishing
Average industry wage (2015): $147,274
Occupations: Software Engineer; Software Developer; Computer Programmer; Smartphone App Developer

Over the next five years the number of households with at least one computer is expected to rise to almost 88.4% and private investment in technology is set to increase, benefiting recent graduates seeking to enter the field.

Investment Banking and Securities Dealing
Average industry wage (2015): $342,360
Occupations: Investment Banking Associate; Financial/Securities/Investment Analyst; Fund Accountant

Although the Investment Banking and Securities Dealing industry has experienced significant volatility over the last five years, some of the most lucrative job prospects for recent college graduates exist within US investment banks and securities dealers.

Public Relations Firms
Average industry wage (2015): $92,269
Occupations: Public Relations Specialist; Account Manager; Communications Manager

The age of social media has created a dire need for digital savvy public relations professionals. With this in mind, companies will increasingly hire public relations professionals to help consumers build and maintain a positive image. Graduates experienced in digital media and online content marketing will especially benefit from growing demand for this industry’s services. Businesses in all sectors will increasingly use social media platforms as a relatively low-cost and powerful marketing tool to extend their audience reach.

Engineering Services
Average industry wage (2015): $87,246
Occupations: Civil Engineer; Mechanical Engineer; Project Engineer; Surveyor
Over the next five years as business confidence increases and companies commit to large projects that require engineering services, thousands of new graduates with degrees in engineering will be hired to accommodate this booming industry.

Hospitals
Average industry wage (2015): $66,567
Occupations: Registered Nurse; Laboratory Technologist; Physical Therapist; Physician Assistant
With a large range of career options, the healthcare industry is one of the best fields for college graduates. The aging US population and expanding access to public and private health insurance will create thousands of new job openings in the healthcare services sector over the next five years.

Read more at IBISworld.com...


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