(Job Function: Average Salary Offer)
Business Majors*
Accounting (Public): $50,403
Financial/Treasury Analysis: $52,412
Accounting (Private): $46,684
Management Trainee (Entry-Level Mgmt.): $40,917
Consulting: $56,754
Sales: $41,851
Auditing (Private): $48,228
Investment Banking (Corporate Finance): $52,151
Auditing (Public): $49,680
Investment Banking (Sales & Trading): $57,929
Computer Science Majors*
Software Design & Development: $66,290
Computer Programming: $58,312
Systems Analysis & Design: $51,572
Engineering Majors*
Project Engineering: $58,984
Design/Construction Engineering: $53,070
Field Engineering: $59,662
Production Engineering: $65,946
Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering: $58,803
Software Design & Development: $66,134
Process Engineering (Chemical): $64,527
Systems/Programming Engineering: $61,206
Consulting: $60,457
Healthcare Majors*
Registered Nurse: $46,255
Pharmacist: $111,782
Liberal Arts Majors*
Teaching: $35,071
Sales: $42,677
Management Trainee (Entry-Level Mgmt.): $33,238
Social Work: $27,873
Law Enforcement: $43,806
Management, General (Mid to Upper Level): $45,775
Military: $39,806
Sciences Majors*
Research (Technical/Scientific): $34,103
Teaching: $36,461
Project Engineering: $56,553
* Source: Summer 2009 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data are for bachelor’s degree graduates only.
If your Mom isn’t Hiring, Relevant Skills Matter
Are you applying for jobs and don’t understand why you aren’t getting interviews? Employers consistently share that applicants fail to communicate relevant skills on resumes. While your mom may celebrate every accomplishment with equal vigor, employers don’t care unless they think a particular experience or skill is going to help them. Though tough to hear (or read in this case), a potential employer doesn’t care how wonderful YOU think an experience, job or internship was if you cannot communicate to them that you successfully mastered and used skills that matter to their organization/company.
So, if that convinces you to actually read a job description, not just the title, and try to tailor your resume, and not just send out the same one to every job, you are headed down a more productive path. But…I know, I know…what about those lousy job descriptions that consist of little more than a job title? Do your research. Find similar jobs posted on other sites. Call and ask. If nothing else, here are the top 10 skills employers across the country are seeking in candidates that should appear (if honest and true for you) on your resume:
1. Communication skills
2. Strong work ethic
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
4. Initiative
5. Analytical skills
6. Computer skills
7. Flexibility/adaptability
8. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
9. Problem-solving skills
10. Technical skills
(Resource: Job Outlook 2009, NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) (http://www.jobweb.com/studentarticles.aspx?id=2121)
So, if that convinces you to actually read a job description, not just the title, and try to tailor your resume, and not just send out the same one to every job, you are headed down a more productive path. But…I know, I know…what about those lousy job descriptions that consist of little more than a job title? Do your research. Find similar jobs posted on other sites. Call and ask. If nothing else, here are the top 10 skills employers across the country are seeking in candidates that should appear (if honest and true for you) on your resume:
1. Communication skills
2. Strong work ethic
3. Teamwork skills (works well with others)
4. Initiative
5. Analytical skills
6. Computer skills
7. Flexibility/adaptability
8. Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
9. Problem-solving skills
10. Technical skills
(Resource: Job Outlook 2009, NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) (http://www.jobweb.com/studentarticles.aspx?id=2121)
Student Success Stories: Part 2
HOW HAS CDS HELPED?
"After receiving a call from The Ellen DeGeneres Show inquiring about my interest in an internship, I went to CDS to seek advice and assistance. With their help I developed and submitted a professional cover letter and well documented resume."
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
"It's imperative that you acknowledge your potential and discover what you are most passionate about. Then, you must broaden your knowledge and experience in your field of interest."
AUBURN EXPERIENCE
"By being involved and engaged in the Auburn University and surrounding communities, I became a more self-sufficient individual and developed exceptional communication skills. Being able to work under tight deadlines and give back to Auburn is fulfilling and excellent preparation for a future career in the entertainment industry."
Branding…Think Pepsi and Coke
Brand identity is how the consumer perceives a product, and marketing and advertising executives make a lot of money creating brand identity for those products we buy every day. While Coke and Pepsi have changed their recipes from time to time and they do indeed taste different, they spend a LOT more money creating and marketing their brand and trying to convince you to buy their product.
For the purposes of this blog, the consumer is the potential employer and the product is you. So, how are you going about branding yourself during the job search? Are you doing the same stuff or less than the average applicant? Do you look a bit like the generic products on the bottom shelf…dusty, boring and cheap? You might work just as well, but maybe not, and “Thanks, but I think I’ll pick the one that has ‘pretty’ packaging, clearly tells me what it’s going to do and has proven success according to the commercial I saw last night during my favorite show.”
Yikes! Refuse to be the dusty box on the bottom shelf! Here is how:
Work on your packaging:
For the purposes of this blog, the consumer is the potential employer and the product is you. So, how are you going about branding yourself during the job search? Are you doing the same stuff or less than the average applicant? Do you look a bit like the generic products on the bottom shelf…dusty, boring and cheap? You might work just as well, but maybe not, and “Thanks, but I think I’ll pick the one that has ‘pretty’ packaging, clearly tells me what it’s going to do and has proven success according to the commercial I saw last night during my favorite show.”
Yikes! Refuse to be the dusty box on the bottom shelf! Here is how:
Work on your packaging:
- Your resume and cover letter must be error free and have an appealing layout
- Your resume and cover letter must contain action packed verbs that communicate relevant skills, successes and innovations
- Your dress must be professional
- Your emails, voice mail messages (the ones you leave and the one on your own phone) and personal introductions must be clear, concise and professional
- Develop a 30 second commercial/introduction
Be visible:
- Talk to people in your network (friends, family, professors, advisors, supervisors, customers, etc.)
- Educate your network about what you are seeking
- Create a LinkedIn account and join relevant groups
- Join professional organizations in your field of interest
- Join leadership, service and alumni organizations in your community of interest
Be authentic:
- Identify your strengths, values, skills, interests and personality type so you actually know and can articulate what you offer the world of work
- Be bold about and “own” those things you hold dear to you
- Find creative and innovative ways to do what you want
Attract the right kind of attention, and be proactive in creating your brand.
Who wants to be a millionaire? (Well, at least debt-free.)
Easy ways to save
A common problem recent grads face is the building of a professional wardrobe. We all send out graduation invitations with the hope of some monetary return, but it’s not usually much if any. Don’t sweat. There are plenty of ways to get that stylin’ and profilin’ wardrobe without compromising three months rent.
The obvious option is to search for sales. You can always find the best sales in the Sunday newspapers. Usually the stores’ inserts include coupons, too. Not finding any great red ticket items? T.J. Maxx and Ross, for example, are two of the largest off-price retailers in the U.S. These stores offer name-brand apparel but with prices 20-60 percent lower than regular department stores.
Avoid eating out. Cooking at home can save you lots of money, especially if you plan your meals for the week. Going to the grocery store with a list will make you less likely to make impulse purchases. There are coupons galore both in stores, newspapers and on-line. Clip away and you’ll be shocked by just how much you can save.
Don’t worry: I would never ask you to give up coffee as I am a caffeine-addict, too. But try replacing coffee shop coffee with your own home brew. Think about it: If you’re spending more than $3 each day, every day of the year, that’s over $1,000. Need more incentive to make it yourself? You’ll also save time by avoiding the long lines at Starbuck’s, help the environment by using a reusable mug or thermos and save gas avoiding the coffee-detour on your way to work. More of a latte fan than brewed coffee? There are lots of simple recipes you can follow to make these delicious treats in your own kitchen. Try some of these recipes from ehow.com that also have instructional videos.
Paying off debt
Student loans are considered “good debt.” “Good debt,” though it may sound like an oxymoron, actually makes sense. It’s debt from an investment that will increase in value or contribute to your overall financial health. Student loans allow you to get a college degree and thus a higher-paying job.
Then, there's "bad debt." Absolutely, positively NO CREDIT CARDS! I cannot express how much debt you can get yourself into with these plastic devils. If you feel you absolutely must have one for emergencies then be sure to shop around for the lowest interest rate. Also, keep it somewhere out of reach. Having it in your wallet makes it more likely you will use it in unnecessary situations. Keep it at home under your bed or somewhere safe so you have to truly think about any purchases you put on the card.
Already in credit card debt? Write out exactly how much you owe and the interest rate of any cards you have. Whichever has the highest interest rate needs to be paid off first. If the interest rates are the same then pay off the one with the lowest balance first. DO NOT pay off a credit card with another credit card. Does that need explaining or can you see the vicious cycle yourself? Determine your discretionary income to decide how much you can afford to pay each month. Stick to your financial plan.
Government incentives to spend
Home loans can also be “good debt” especially in the current economy. First-time home buyers can receive up to an $8,000 tax credit if they purchase before Dec. 1, 2009. As part of the stimulus package, taxpayers will be able to deduct the both local and state sales tax paid on new car purchases up to $49,500. The tax break will cover the purchase of any new car, domestic or foreign, through the end of 2009. Additionally, the deduction is "above the line," which means that it reduces the amount of a filer's taxable income. Eligible taxpayers must have an annual income below $125,000 for individuals or below $250,000 for families.
Some final tips from Dr. Gary Waters:
Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village
A common problem recent grads face is the building of a professional wardrobe. We all send out graduation invitations with the hope of some monetary return, but it’s not usually much if any. Don’t sweat. There are plenty of ways to get that stylin’ and profilin’ wardrobe without compromising three months rent.
The obvious option is to search for sales. You can always find the best sales in the Sunday newspapers. Usually the stores’ inserts include coupons, too. Not finding any great red ticket items? T.J. Maxx and Ross, for example, are two of the largest off-price retailers in the U.S. These stores offer name-brand apparel but with prices 20-60 percent lower than regular department stores.
Avoid eating out. Cooking at home can save you lots of money, especially if you plan your meals for the week. Going to the grocery store with a list will make you less likely to make impulse purchases. There are coupons galore both in stores, newspapers and on-line. Clip away and you’ll be shocked by just how much you can save.
Don’t worry: I would never ask you to give up coffee as I am a caffeine-addict, too. But try replacing coffee shop coffee with your own home brew. Think about it: If you’re spending more than $3 each day, every day of the year, that’s over $1,000. Need more incentive to make it yourself? You’ll also save time by avoiding the long lines at Starbuck’s, help the environment by using a reusable mug or thermos and save gas avoiding the coffee-detour on your way to work. More of a latte fan than brewed coffee? There are lots of simple recipes you can follow to make these delicious treats in your own kitchen. Try some of these recipes from ehow.com that also have instructional videos.
Paying off debt
Student loans are considered “good debt.” “Good debt,” though it may sound like an oxymoron, actually makes sense. It’s debt from an investment that will increase in value or contribute to your overall financial health. Student loans allow you to get a college degree and thus a higher-paying job.
Then, there's "bad debt." Absolutely, positively NO CREDIT CARDS! I cannot express how much debt you can get yourself into with these plastic devils. If you feel you absolutely must have one for emergencies then be sure to shop around for the lowest interest rate. Also, keep it somewhere out of reach. Having it in your wallet makes it more likely you will use it in unnecessary situations. Keep it at home under your bed or somewhere safe so you have to truly think about any purchases you put on the card.
Already in credit card debt? Write out exactly how much you owe and the interest rate of any cards you have. Whichever has the highest interest rate needs to be paid off first. If the interest rates are the same then pay off the one with the lowest balance first. DO NOT pay off a credit card with another credit card. Does that need explaining or can you see the vicious cycle yourself? Determine your discretionary income to decide how much you can afford to pay each month. Stick to your financial plan.
Government incentives to spend
Home loans can also be “good debt” especially in the current economy. First-time home buyers can receive up to an $8,000 tax credit if they purchase before Dec. 1, 2009. As part of the stimulus package, taxpayers will be able to deduct the both local and state sales tax paid on new car purchases up to $49,500. The tax break will cover the purchase of any new car, domestic or foreign, through the end of 2009. Additionally, the deduction is "above the line," which means that it reduces the amount of a filer's taxable income. Eligible taxpayers must have an annual income below $125,000 for individuals or below $250,000 for families.
Some final tips from Dr. Gary Waters:
Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village
- By Kelly Cargill
Free stuff and job searching
If you are conducting a job search...you need these two resources, provided FREE to you through Career Development Services:
- Provides insightful profiles of companies, careers, and industries
- Job search guides
- Resume and cover letter writing guides
- Interview tips
- Videos on various job search related tips
- Search job boards and company job postings from one place
- Get inside contact information immediately, including email addresses, for millions of companies
- Access in-depth information about any contact & company posting jobs
- Save resumes and cover letters in one-place to have access to them at any time
Access both of these through Web Resources on CDS website.
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