Choosing the right course for undergraduate and postgraduate study is a challenging task, and one that is of utmost importance in determining career prospects for a student. Because students have to repay their education loans and student debts, it is natural they are interested in courses which offer great job opportunities with good salaries.
Various organisations such as the Bureau of Labour Statistics and National Association for College and Employer collect, process and analyse student data to make career projections and help students make the right career choice. Listed below are the top ten degrees with most job opportunities according to a survey by the National Association for College and Employers (NACE).
Ten Degrees with Great Job Prospects
1. Computer Science
According to estimates by NACE, 70% of computer science graduates were offered a job before graduating from college. Computer Science graduates work in diverse fields such as system analysts, software developers and programmers, data analysts, software design and security, artificial intelligence and hardware.
2. Economics
Almost 61.5% of economics graduates are in jobs after completion of their degree. They find employment in banking, investment and finance sectors and public sector and government agencies, natural treasuries, bureau of statistics and Central Banks.
3. Accounting
Accounting professionals work as investment analysts, chartered accountants, banking and financial advisors, tax advisors and insurance brokers. An estimated 61% of accounting majors are offered jobs before they graduate.
4. Engineering
Engineerings jobs offer some of the highest salaries to graduates and, as per estimates by NACE, around 59% of engineering students easily find at least one job opportunity before graduating.
5. Business Administration
Business and management graduates are highly employable with placements offered by global companies in a range of fields including organisational management, finance, human resource, marketing, communications, administration, consultancy and advertising.
6. Sociology/Social Work
Sociology is another field with high employability ratios. Graduates typically find jobs based on their specialisations in many different public and private sectors.
7. Mathematics / Statistics
The demand for maths graduates has increased across all sectors from technology, data sciences, healthcare, finance and retail. This exponential growth in the job market for highly skilled maths professionals is also complemented by high average salaries in the industry.
8. Psychology
Psychology majors have career options in various public and private sector roles such as human resources, marketing, social work, mental health care, psychotherapy, advertising, and teaching.
9. History/Political Science
History and political science graduates find employment with higher education institutions, law firms, government agencies, banks, publishing companies, management consultancies, schools, television and radio broadcasters, retailers and accountancy firms.
10. Healthcare
Healthcare jobs are some of the most challenging, sought after and well paying jobs with are often highly specialised. Healthcare professionals work in fields of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine and physiotherapy for instance.
