As the class of 2017 graduates and heads into the workforce, where exactly will they be heading?
Competition for graduates is at a serious high, and while unemployment is down, graduation rates are notably up — The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that $1.8 million people will graduate with bachelor's degrees in 2017.
While grads look toward their futures and figure out where they'll be working, Glassdoor did a little research of their own to see which are the most popular jobs for recent grads, what majors lend themselves to those jobs, and what median pay looks like for those jobs. They might not be dream jobs so to speak, but they're definitely stepping stones on the road to exciting careers.
1. Sales Associate
Popular for degree holders in Business, English, and Political Science
Median base pay: $38,000
2. Research Assistant
Popular for degree holders in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
Median base pay: $28,855
3. Teaching Assistant
Popular for degree holders in Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering degrees.
Median base pay: $20,000
4. Intern
Popular for degree holders in Psychology, Finance, and Economics.
Median base pay: $30,000
5. Administrative Assistant
Popular for degree holders in Business, Psychology, and Communications.
Median base pay: $40,000
6. Account Manager
Popular for degree holders in Business, Marketing, and Communications.
Median base pay: $50,000
7. Social Media Manager
Popular for degree holders in Communications, English, and Public Relations.
Median base pay: $44,000
8. Software Engineer
Popular for degree holders in Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Information Technology.
Median base pay: $90,000.
9. Case Manager
Popular for degree holders in Psychology, Nursing, and Criminal Justice. Median base pay: $37,000.
10. Data Analyst
Popular for degree holders in Mathematics, Information Technology, and Economics.
Median base pay: $60,000