Business Graduates See a Rise in Salaries

By Sarah Clark
Career Colleges Columnist

A 2006 report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that college graduates with business degrees are enjoyed higher starting salaries in the last year.

The average salary of accounting degree graduates rose 5.4 percent to $46,188. Economics majors also saw similar increases that translated into average starting salaries of $45,058. Additionally, those with business administration degrees reported higher average earnings, increasing 3.9 percent to $40,976.

Drivers of Jobs Growth

What's the reason for the salary increases? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting jobs are expected to grow much faster than the average through 2014. It cites "an increase in the number of businesses" and increases in regulations as the main drivers of job growth. The BLS points to similar reasons for job growth in the area of finance, including "the growth of established companies and the creation of new businesses."

Job-hunting Advice

The NACE cautions recent graduates against taking a casual approach to job hunting, adding that "students need to be proactive in the job search; they can start by going to their campus career center for guidance and resources."

Many jobs are now posted online. The website jobcentral.com, for example, is sponsored by many large companies, which post all of their jobs. It provides good search tools so that you don't have to sort through scores of jobs to find one that's applicable to you.

Other job postings can be found at craigslist.org, dice.com, and hotjobs.com. Also check out the job postings listed in your local newspaper.

Going to Business School

Now might be a good time to attend business school, as the BLS predicts strong job growth in many business-related jobs in the years ahead. Find out more about business school and the exciting jobs it may help prepare you to pursue.

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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