Advice to students: Career decision
A student wrote to me: “I am applying to university in the U.S and want to know which Bachelor's degree would give me the highest salary possible so I can choose. Please advice. Thanks."
Answer: You should decide your career on what you like to do and the market needs (Growth factor). You should NOT based your career decision on the salary alone. You should follow the industry 's growing trends as thing will change because what is “Hot” today may not be the same five or ten years from now. For example, Before 2008, Business and Finance were “Hot” but it is no longer today. According to the new 2012 salary survey, Information technology (Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Information System Management) is among the highest pay and highest potential growth today.
Information Technology (Computer science, Software Engineering, Information Systems Management etc.)
Average starting pay in 2012: $85,700
Average starting pay in 2011: $82,000
Growth factor: High
Engineering (Mechanical, Electronics, Civil, Chemical etc.)
Average starting pay in 2012: $68,800
Average starting pay in 2011: $65,300
Growth factor: High to moderate
Business Administration/Management
Average starting pay in 2012: $66,500
Average starting pay in 2011: $65,200
Growth factor: Moderate to low
Finance
Average starting pay in 2012: $64,300
Average starting pay in 2011: $63,700
Growth factor: Moderate
Health care - Nursing
Average starting pay in 2012: $63,800
Average starting pay in 2011: $61,400
Growth factor: High
Sales/Marketing
Average starting pay in 2012: $62,400
Average starting pay in 2011: $60,800
Growth factor: Moderate
Accounting
Average starting pay in 2012: $62,300
Average starting pay in 2011: $59,900
Growth factor: Moderate
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
