Top 15 Best Jobs for College Grads |  Ranking

Consider seeking a job as a long-term campaign to reach your career goals. It starts before college and continues for the rest of a person’s working life.

Whenever a professional wants to move up, switch to a better job, or start a new career, they must return to the campaign trail.

There are popular jobs for recent college grads depending on what you studied and your skill and expertise. These jobs would give you stability and peace of mind and may still go on to pay you well.

Are you a college graduate? Do you want to know what the best jobs for college grads are? Then this article is for you. Let’s dive right in.

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Why is it difficult to get the Best Jobs for College Grads?

There are several reasons recent college grads have a hard time. Some of the reasons are-

Not sure about the major

Some students find that their majors are no longer interesting after finishing school. Others find that there aren’t many jobs available in their chosen field. Think about what you liked most about your major or the classes you took. Look into jobs that are a good fit for your major or possible career paths.

A lot of competition

People are looking for jobs at the same time after December and May graduations. As such, the market for entry-level jobs will be much more competitive. Some fields have more competition for jobs than others. This makes it harder for graduates to stand out, even with good grades and experience.

Little work history

Finding a job can take longer than expected, so it’s best to start looking for work well before you graduate. And even if you don’t meet all the requirements listed in a job posting, you should still apply. Most people who apply don’t meet all of the requirements.

Few or no skills

Even if you have a college degree, that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get an interview for your dream job. Even if the job is for a beginner, many job postings require some level of experience. Consider applying for internships or jobs related to your dream job before you graduate.

People gain valuable skills as they gain experience, and some of these skills can only be got on the job. Employers often look for specific skills when hiring, and resumes that don’t have them may get tossed out. Volunteering, doing an internship, or working, even if it’s not in a related field, can help you learn skills that employers value.

Few Connections

Without work experience, it’s harder to find networking opportunities. You can network before you get your degree. Think about the ways you can make connections as a student or recent graduate, such as:

College job fairs

• Meet up with your favorite professor or someone who might be able to help you.
• Events for networking online or in person
• Industry-based groups
• Social media
• Volunteer opportunities
• Connections through family or friends

Not following up

Many recent graduates don’t realize how important it is to follow up. After an interview, it’s important to send an email to the person who interviewed you to follow up. Keep it professional and short. Thank them for the chance and mention anything that could make you stand out from other candidates.

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How to Get the Best Jobs for College Grads

Step 1- Make the application.

Students can find many good examples of good resumes online and in the career office at their college.

They can take advantage of the fact that college advisers are there to help them make and edit their resumes.

The resume should be tailored to each possible job based on the job description. It should include the following:

• Your work experience (if any)
• A list of your career goals
• Highlight key skills relevant to the workplace and to the job you are applying for.
• Talk about your success in school. This can include education, academic achievements, and grade-point average (if it’s high).
• Point out things related to your career. This may be work experience, internships, volunteer work, membership in professional or student groups, positions of leadership, trips abroad, or military service.

Step 2: Set up a network of searchers

Once you have a resume that works, sign up for major job search or recruiting sites online. Monster, LinkedIn, Indeed, Career Builder, Simply Hired, College Recruiter, Dice, Glassdoor, and LinkUp are all examples of sites like this. You might want to upload or make a focused resume and post it on one or more of these sites.

Step 3: Collect all references

Most college professors go on vacation right after graduation day. It may be too late to get reference letters in time for the first round of job interviews.

One easy way to get support is to ask former professors, coworkers, or college friends to post a reference on your LinkedIn account. Some references might not be great, so it’s best to get more than you need.

Don’t forget to include people from volunteer organizations, past jobs, civic or religious groups, and business associations.

Ask them for specifics about your skills, strengths, and accomplishments that they can put in their recommendations. Employers may not ask for references at the first interview, but it’s important to have them on hand in case they do.

Step 4: Put together supporting documents.

It’s smart to bring supporting documents to the first interview. Many recent graduates make business cards with their contact information. They can then show them to potential employers and network.

Step 5 Create a Portfolio

A portfolio is a must-have for people with degrees in visual arts, sales, or technical jobs, instead of listing your certifications or accomplishments on your resume, which could make it too long. Put them in a separate professional binder that you can bring to an interview.

Sort documents by alphabet and keep everything in protective sleeves you can see. This will give you a chance to show off your achievements outside of your resume. It is also a great way to start talking about them during the interview.

Step 6: Get into character

First impressions are important in interviews and life as a whole. Get into character

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Top 15 Best Jobs for College Grads

#1. Computer Network Architects

Median Salary: $116,408
Communication is what makes or breaks businesses in the 21st century. The computer network architect is a key part of keeping communication going. It is one of the best jobs for college grads. The computer network architect plans data communication networks.

These networks can be as small as the intranet of a single company or as large as the cloud. It’s a job with a lot of responsibility and requires more than a few years of schooling (usually at least a master’s degree). No one can become a network architect without a lot of experience, too.

#2. IT Manager

Median Salary: $114,603

In general, an IT Manager is in charge of the IT department at a company or organization. They have authority and responsibility over the technicians and analysts who keep the computer networks of that organization running. You can work your way up from an entry-level position to manager. However, most IT managers need specialized training.

IT managers need to know a lot about technology. They also need to know how to run a business, which may require a master’s degree. An IT manager can expect to make more than $100,000 a year for all the years of schooling. It is one of the best jobs for college grads.

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#3. Pharmacists

Median Salary: $110,405

In many ways, pharmacists are the unsung heroes of the medical field. Doctors may write prescriptions for medicines, but it’s the pharmacist’s job to make sure that patients get the right dose, in the right form, when they need it. It is one of the best jobs for college grads.

You need a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and a license from the Board of Pharmacy in your state. Before getting to work as a professional, you have to go to school, do an internship, study, and practice. The job itself isn’t too stressful, but it comes with a lot of responsibility and a salary to match.

#4. Petroleum Engineer

Median Salary: $100,583

As a general rule, any job title that includes “engineer” will pay well. This is especially true for Petroleum Engineer. Modern life runs on petroleum, which is usually used to make everything from fuel to plastics.

Petroleum engineers need a few years of highly specialized training after getting a bachelor’s degree. Their jobs can be dangerous (oil and mild climates don’t usually go together), which is why they get paid well. It is one of the best jobs for college grads.

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#5. Nurse Practitioner

Median Salary: $91,697

When you go to a clinic these days, you’re much more likely to see a nurse practitioner than a doctor. Most of the time, an NP can do anything a doctor can do. They have learned most of the specialized knowledge that doctors learn. NP also have the hands-on experience, expertise, and bedside manner of a nurse.

In fact, in half of the US, nurse practitioners don’t even need supervision by a doctor. NPs need a Master of Science in Nursing and a license from the state to work. Those who want to become NPs should know that the hours are just as long as nursing. But the pay helps make up for the tired feet. It is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads.

#6. Physician Assistants

Median Salary: $91,348

Physician assistants are an important part of the health care system. In many cases, they are the only reason someone gets medical care or doesn’t. PAs finish their education at the master’s level. It is about the same as that of a doctor. It is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads.

They qualify to examine, diagnose, and treat patients. PAs are a big part of medical care in many rural and underserved areas where there aren’t enough doctors. Even though a physician assistant’s pay isn’t as high as that of a full doctor, they are still valued.

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#7. Nurse Midwife

Median Salary: $89,158

Nurse Midwives have one of the best-paying jobs for college grads. There are many ways for advanced practice nurses to specialize. However, being a nurse midwife is one of the most rewarding in more than one way.

A nurse midwife is the best of both worlds for women who want the comfort and less invasive care of a midwife and the safety of modern medicine. Nurse midwives need a Master of Science in Nursing and a license to work.

In most states, nurse midwives must work under the supervision of an OBGYN. Most of the time, though, nurse midwives are in charge of the birthing room and care for pregnant women and their babies.

#8. Actuaries

Median Salary: $83,620

Actuarial science is a highly specialized area of accounting that combines accounting, statistics, and business. Actuaries use all of their knowledge to analyze risk for insurance companies, banks, government agencies, and more.

Aside from the fact that it takes a lot of studying and a few years of college, it’s a job that very few people want.

An actuary is one of the best jobs in terms of job security, workload, and pay rate for people who are good at math. There are never enough actuaries. This means that a well-trained actuary can pretty much write their ticket. It is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads.

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#9. Lawyers

Median Salary: $81,648

People who don’t work in the legal field often say there are too many lawyers. However, they forget how important lawyers are in business, government, entertainment, healthcare, and more.

Lawyers defend people who get wronged, keep businesses on the right track, help families manage their assets during big life changes, and give legal advice to people who get wronged.

To work as a lawyer, you need a Juris Doctor degree and a license from your state’s Bar Association. Since lawyers work long hours and deal with a lot of stress, the median salary is high. It is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads.

#10. Operations Research Analyst

Median Salary: $77,118

An analyst is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads. Operations Research Analysts make a lot of money for a simple reason: math.

Simply put, operations research analysts use math, statistics, and data to figure out how to solve business problems. That could mean making changes to the supply chain. They could also rearrange products in a store to make more sales.

Since it is a highly technical field, the education, and skills required make it hard for people to get into it. As a result, unemployment is low, job growth should grow (by 27%), and the median salary is stable and good.

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#11. Veterinarian

Median Salary: $75,363

This is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads. The veterinarian is one of the top jobs that kids want to have when they grow up, but it’s not all petting cute animals.

Vets take care of pets, for sure, but they also take care of animals in zoos and farms. They also care for endangered species kept in zoos or farms.

Also, they are a key part of keeping the food supply healthy. They keep the number of stray animals from getting too high and even study how climate change affects wildlife.

Veterinarians must get a doctorate in veterinary medicine, which can take anywhere from 4 to 6 years. It is worth it because it is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads.

#12. Construction Manager

Median Salary: $75,363

Construction is one of the jobs that will always be around. Construction may go through phases depending on the economy. Some parts of it may be seasonal, but one thing is for sure: people are always building. If you’re a good construction manager, you’ll never be out of work for long, whether in the private sector or the government.

Construction managers can get the job by gaining experience. However, a bachelor’s or master’s degree can give them skills and knowledge that add to their experience. It can also help them make more money. It is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads.

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#13. Psychologist

Median Salary: $73,921

This is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads. A psychologist is not a medical doctor like a psychiatrist is. Instead, they are an academic doctor.

The main difference between a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and a Ph.D. in Psychology is whether you want to work directly with clients as a therapist or in teaching and research.

Psychologists can work in a wide range of places, from clinics and labs to business and marketing firms. The salaries of psychologists can vary depending on where they work and what they do. The median salary is high because they have a lot of knowledge and can use it in many different ways.

#14. Business Operations Manager

Median Salary: $72,988

The Business Operations Manager is the point person. He or she is in charge of the day-to-day operations of both big and small businesses. This person solves problems, keeps employees motivated, and talks to higher-ups.

Strong employees might be able to work their way into the position through promotions, but the job market is very competitive these days. A higher degree like an MBA or Master’s in Management can be the key to making it.

Strong managers not only have a good chance of making a high median salary. They also have a chance to move up to the executive suite. It is one of the best-paying jobs for college grads.

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#15. Statistician

Median Salary: $71,550

Statisticians have one of the best-paying jobs for college grads. Any college student who has barely passed a statistics class will tell you that anyone who can handle statistics is worth their weight in gold.

Due to the specific set of skills, statisticians are in high demand in a wide range of fields. This includes finance, insurance, technology, entertainment, healthcare, and more. The level of education needed for a career in statistics varies.

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Top Mistakes recent graduates make when looking for work

Get all of your listings from one place.

If you only use one job site or only use online job sites to find jobs, you are severely limiting your options.

Sending out resumes and cover letters that are all the same.

Even though most big companies scan resumes for keywords, the decisions are still made by people. Customizing a resume for a job or company you want to work for increases your chances.

Lack of utilizing the college career office.

Too many students don’t take advantage of what college mentors and career counselors have to offer. This includes making connections, building their resumes, and getting ready for interviews.

Not looking into the company they’re applying to.

It’s a waste of time to send the same message to all companies with related openings. Worse, if you don’t do your research, you’ll look bad at the interview because you don’t know much about the company.

Giving networking only lip service.

You can find a friend at a company through sites like LinkedIn. Recommendations and introductions from current workers can make a big difference in who gets hired.

Making a bad impression with your communications.

Sending emails with no signature or a signature that doesn’t look professional can be a deal breaker. Learn job communications etiquette. Be friendly, but stick to formal language. Don’t say anything too casual, and above all, don’t use emojis or chat speak.

Not getting your online presence in order.

Using social media to post links and comments about your job can help your profile. On the other hand, it is a big mistake to think that employers won’t find a blog with rude, off-topic, profane, or questionable language or content. A background check also includes searching on LinkedIn and Google.

Seeing things through a small window.

In the long run, it won’t help you if you think there’s only one perfect employer, one career field, one location, one acceptable starting salary, or one good job title. Standards are good, but it’s also important to be able to change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

The number of people who finish college in the U.S. keeps going up. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 41 million adults aged 18 and up had a bachelor’s degree in 2011. This number had gone up to 56 million by 2024.

This is a great time to look for a job, especially if you just got out of school. Our list of best jobs for college grads above should help you get started.

Read also: 10 Best Jobs For Graduating Students | 2024

References

• money.usnews.com – Best jobs for college grads
• scholarshipshall.com – Best jobs for recent college graduates
• collegeconsensus.com – Top paying jobs for college graduates
• torixus.com – Best jobs for graduating students
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