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| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,553 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,927 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,932 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,678 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,572 | 0.00% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $82,744 | $39.78 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $80,626 | $38.76 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $79,304 | $38.13 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $78,045 | $37.52 | +3.1% |
| 2021 | $75,693 | $36.39 | +1.8% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 417 | 60% |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 970 | 25% |
| 3 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 686 | 24% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 133 | 18% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,339 | 16% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 153 | 16% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,013 | 15% |
| 8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 914 | 15% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 765 | 14% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 728 | 13% |
| 11 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 375 | 12% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 2,206 | 11% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,466 | 11% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 791 | 11% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 615 | 11% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 116 | 11% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 79 | 11% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 67 | 11% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 355 | 10% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 130 | 10% |
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $90,528 |
| 2 | Wilmington | 1 | 1% | $83,828 |
| 3 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $109,881 |
| 4 | New York | 1 | 0% | $117,424 |
Manhattan College
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Siena College
Lynn University
Ferrum College
University of Oregon
American University
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Pacific Lutheran University

Virginia Tech

Texas A&M University–Central Texas

Hartwick College
University of Rhode Island
California State University - Sacramento

Ohio Dominican University
Keith Kerr Prof.: There are two basic ways that most people in the US find financial success: Either find a job that pays a high salary, or find a career that you love, regardless of the salary, and make a habit of saving and investing part of your income each month starting with your first paycheck.
If you invest only $90 a month starting at 21 and ending at retirement, you would have a bit over 1 million dollars (assuming a 10% annual gain). Wait just 5 years and start doing this at 26 and your 5 years of time will have cost you $400,000 by retirement. This is the power of compounding. Start early and even with a lower salary, you still can find financial success while pursuing careers that are meaningful to you.
Keith Kerr Prof.: Grant writing is perhaps the most important skill for sociology majors to acquire. Not all sociology programs offer such skills (luckily my department at Quinnipiac does), but all sociology programs offer courses in research methodology. These skills are all skills that are needed to successfully write grants.
More so, with the research skills and practice in grant writing, one is in a position to approach potential employers as a hire that will more than pay for itself in the grant money that the potential employee can bring into the organization.
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: First, learn everything about the company you just started working for - its historical path, management, the way it's dealt with crises, etc. Second, learn everything about the specific industry the company belongs to and see how the company has developed relative to the development of the industry domestically and internationally. Third, always be extremely alert to notice new opportunities and be prepared to take calculated risks. That is, actively look for opportunities to complete as many and diverse tasks as possible, and volunteer to complete any type of work regardless of whether it seems relevant to your assigned job or not. Opportunities to learn, grow, and improve and thus to maximize your income, will only come up if you are exposed to diverse situations.
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Be open minded. Finance is the broad definition of an industry which provides opportunities for careers in financial consultancy, financial analysis, stock brokerage, foreign investment, modeling, exchange rate forecasts, and many more. While most of those careers are attributed to the banking industry, you can find those and others in other sectors of the economy, such as insurance, technology, health care/medical, government, and so on. So, be open and look beyond the banking sector, examine the current and predicted trends in the economy to hunt for exciting career options.
John McDermott Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, keep learning, investing in your human capital, and expanding your capabilities. Learn as much as you can about your new position and industry, work with a variety of people at your firm, and seek opportunities outside your comfort zone. Your salary potential will increase as you are recognized as a capable and hard working colleague.
Siena College
Finance And Financial Management Services
Feng Dong: Finance analysts often appreciate the clear career growth and opportunities in the field. There are well-defined paths for advancing to senior roles like Finance Manager, Director of Finance, or CFO. You can work in different industries and specialize in specific areas, which opens up a wide range of career options. You get to shape your career based on your interests and strengths. Plus, the pay is quite competitive. Finance analysts usually receive high salaries, benefits, and performance-based bonuses. Also, finance analysts are getting to work with advanced financial software, data analytics tools, and cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning. It keeps the work interesting and innovative. However, the pressure can be intense, with tight deadlines and the huge impact financial decisions can have on a company's performance. It can be especially tough for newcomers. And the long hours are a common complaint. During critical financial reporting periods, work-life balance can take a hit with extra hours, including evenings and weekends. Some roles and industries are particularly demanding during budgeting and auditing seasons. On top of that, technical issues with financial software and tools can be a major headache. And with technology constantly evolving, you need to keep up and keep learning, which can be demanding.
David Spohn DBA, MBA, MJUR, CWM®: Likes:
- Intellectual Stimulation: Many finance analysts enjoy the challenge of solving complex financial puzzles and deriving insights from data. The role often requires staying updated with the latest economic trends and financial theories, providing continuous learning opportunities.
- Impact on Decision-making: Analysts often take pride in the fact that their work directly influences strategic business decisions. This can be highly rewarding, especially when their recommendations lead to successful outcomes.
- Career Opportunities: The field offers numerous pathways for career advancement. Analysts can ascend to roles in senior management, specialize in particular sectors such as fintech or healthcare, or move into investment roles.
Dislikes:
- High Pressure: The role can be highly stressful, with tight deadlines and significant implications tied to their analyses and recommendations. Financial markets are dynamic, and the pressure to provide accurate, timely insights can be intense.
- Monotony in Initial Stages: New entrants might find the work initially repetitive as they learn the ropes of data collection and basic analysis techniques. The intellectual rewards and more engaging tasks often come with increased responsibility.
- Work-Life Balance: Depending on the employer and the state of the market, long hours can be common, especially during financial reporting periods or significant market changes, which can impact work-life balance.
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: As a beginner in any field, it pays to listen more than to talk. Be humble, pay attention, be nice to folks and probably most helpful is having a mentor who can guide you along and show you some best practices for navigating your career. You should take advantage of your education, not just to show a piece of paper that says you graduated but think of every single project, essay or paper that you write as part of a portfolio that demonstrates your skill sets. Especially in finance where we can sometimes be enamored with the beauty of a mathematical model, think about how any model should be applied in the real world. In some cases that might mean that you have to “get your hands on the wheel and learn how to drive.” I am not suggesting that you should put all your savings at risk and buy the next iteration of the latest cryptocurrency, but If you’re interested in a career in investing, put a small amount of money at risk and trade a stock, or if you must trade a few dollars’ worth of Bitcoin or Ether – as much as you would risk for a movie ticket seems reasonable. There are lots of virtual trading apps where you can trade with paper money, but there’s nothing like understanding risk when your own dollars are at stake, even if it’s just a few dollars. You should also absorb all the workshops, seminars and resources available out there. Follow Prof. Aswath Damodaran who has a YouTube Channel and hundreds of spreadsheets with financial models, all for free! Also follow some good content providers on various channels to get additional insights – in the field of finance, you need to be up-to-date on all events because those influence markets and the economy. Be ready to continue learning and update your skills and understanding while you’re working. Education doesn’t end after you finish your degree. All successful people are life-long learners.
Keith Kerr Prof.: Grant writing is perhaps the most important skill for sociology majors to acquire. Not all sociology programs offer such skills (luckily my department at Quinnipiac does), but all sociology programs offer courses in research methodology. These skills are all skills that are needed to successfully write grants.
More so, with the research skills and practice in grant writing, one is in a position to approach potential employers as a hire that will more than pay for itself in the grant money that the potential employee can bring into the organization.
Timothy Egan M.S. Marketing: -Understanding finance and how it impacts the operations of where you work, can help you have great insight into new opportunities or see the writing on the wall in tough times. -Don't be afraid to learn new technologies, especially ones that collect data. Enhance your tech-based skills as that will increase your value to the organization where you work and the business community at large. -Learn Spanish. While globalization may have you think about learning an Asian language, the Spanish speaking market is the faster growing in the US and has been since 2010.
Timothy Egan M.S. Marketing: -Under promise and over deliver. -Know your value, self-assess your skills, your knowledge and your role. Understand when and when not a company can give increases. -Build an internal support system. Make sure you have people who will go to bat for you when you want to move up internally. -After succeeding don't be afraid to ask for an increase. -And remember, stay humble. The minute you think you know everything; you haven't learned anything.
Ferrum College
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
Dr. Karen Carpenter: This field is wide open. Decide the population you want to work with and what space you want to be in. Certifications are very valuable to get employed immediately virtually anywhere in the country. Our discipline has the power to save lives. It is an extremely rewarding profession.
University of Oregon
Finance And Financial Management Services
Z. Jay Wang: Students who have a history of doing work in the field outside the classroom either through internships, industry projects, or school-sponsored clubs managing financial decisions are better poised to maximize starting salary potential. Starting early to secure internships with top companies will also position students well for higher earning potential. Most top banks and firms will post internships from April/May to August, and close by the end of September for the following summer. They are also rolling, so may fill the roles by as early as June of the sophomore year for the following summer after junior year. Finally, networking with industry and alumni professionals in the companies, firms, banks prior to applying for an internship or full-time position will have an impact. The candidate will learn more about the opportunity and company culture for their resume and potential interview, and most top companies in finance will have a referral program. If the candidate impresses the internal connection with excellent questions and strategic answers, they may get a referral that moves them up in the stacks of applicants.
American University
Finance And Financial Management Services
Octavian Ionici PhD: The finance profession is lucrative, rewarding and very competitive. Graduates should do their research about the organization they are interviewing with and be able to discuss how their skills can contribute to the business. They should also know if they would rather interact with people and clients or if they are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as analysis. Do they value power, prestige status, risk, or something else? Ultimately our core values, personal goals, interests, aptitudes, and personality will shape our career paths.
Being able to articulate what sparked their interest in the financial field and why they are interested in a chosen role will be an advantage during the hiring process. While still in college, students should join a professional association like the Financial Management Association to give them more access to that broad network, as well as access to career development resources that can set them apart from the crowd.
It's also critical to get an internship (paid or unpaid) in order to show some real-life experience. They can do this while they are still in college, during the summers, or even afterwards, to get a foot in the door.
Reading the WSJ and FT daily, and listening to Bloomberg, or other financial programs as a regular practice will help them to have fluency in the language of our profession. Because the finance sector is heavily regulated and changes occur due to changing economic and political conditions, they will need to stay updated with those changes. Financial media sources will help bring them that context to stay up to date on all of these moving parts.
Octavian Ionici PhD: Try to understand what your boss or your company needs, then see if you can fill that gap with your skill set and work ethic. Finance constantly evolves. A career with lifelong learning will help keep you employable. Investing in continuous learning and skill development can increase your income potential down the road.
Plus, don't underestimate the power of a positive attitude and strong work ethic. You may not be an expert at the beginning, but you can take on every challenge given to you, work hard and try to turn it into a success for your organization. Each win will build your reputation and your portfolio of skills which you will then bring with you to your next job. As you do this, you will inevitably acquire specialized skills.
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.
Georgia Southern University
International Relations And National Security Studies
Dr. Jacek Lubecki: Private sector should generally command higher salaries, but the real deal is to start in a field where experience and growth commands higher salaries, not to count on high salaries right away.
Pacific Lutheran University
Finance And Financial Management Services
Fang Lin: Don't be afraid to negotiate your starting salary. Young journalists have a lot to offer newsrooms through social media skills and a willingness to adapt to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Technology skills have value and should not be undersold. Also, young journalism students should not discount the value of their student media and internship experiences. Young journalists must use everything on their resumes to show how they bring value to their position and ask to be compensated fairly for the work they will contribute to the newsroom's success.

Virginia Tech
Pamplin College of Business Blackwood Program in Real Estate
Jonathan Everett: I would venture to guess that many successful real estate professionals would say real estate is a people's business. In the classroom, we often discuss how one of a real estate developer's biggest responsibilities is assembling the right team. Most real estate professions require immense communication amongst a multitude of parties. You have to understand the motivations of each party, how to communicate with each party, and how to choreograph several moving parts, so every action is pushing towards an aligned outcome. This requires the ability to listen, articulate, negotiate, and adapt.
Jonathan Everett: While there is a multitude of skills Real Estate professionals need to acquire, personal experience and conversations with colleagues and industry professionals lead me to conclude one is critical; an adaptive, curious, resourceful mindset that can venture into the unknown. Real estate is evolving, like many industries, and being able to thrive in an ambiguous and changing environment is a critical skill employers will appreciate. So how does an individual demonstrate this skill on a resume? This could be accomplished by highlighting experiences that demonstrate this mindset. It could also include obtaining relevant educational or industry certifications that demonstrate an appetite for continual education or learning new skills. One of the beauties of real estate is you can often find a job that fits within your interests or skillset - there are opportunities in law, finance, property management, sales, appraising, planning, engineering, construction, and much more. However, rarely (arguably never) are you going to see two identical scenarios. Consequently, resourcefulness and a willingness to dive in and construct the puzzle are critical.
Jonathan Everett: While field and job role dependent, I think communication skills, education, experience, and strategic industry certifications will help individuals succeed monetarily and professionally. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you can do and how you can add value. However, what you bring to the table is just as important as the ability to communicate what you bring to the table. It is important individuals understand how to communicate to employers or clients what they bring to the table. This process can also prove enlightening because it forces individuals to ask, "What value add do I bring?" This has the opportunity to expose strengths and also identify some potential areas where further learning or experience is necessary.

Dr. Rebecca McPherson Ph.D.: There is no one right answer to this question. It really depends on your background and your top three priorities. Also, if you have any concerns or mitigating issues that you are trying to accommodate, you need to consider those as well. Understanding your top three priorities and your potential career progression will help determine what is the best job for you right out of college.
For students graduating with a degree in human resource management and pursuing an HR career, seeking an entry-level HR assistant position is typically the first step. The best job for a new graduate will be one where they are exposed to the many areas of HR, and the HR manager/director agrees to be a mentor and a coach helping to grow the new graduate in the HR profession. The HR profession is unique from other professional services in that the foundation of HR is grounded in legal compliance. The complexity of legal compliance needs to be understood from an academic perspective and applied in an employment scenario. It is often the case that in any given employment situation multiple employment laws overlap, and the HR professional has to choose from many right answers to find the best correct answer. Developing this expertise can take two to three years in a generalist position with a great mentor to help prepare you for being a business partner and HR leader in an organization.
So, when considering your first job, do you understand your career path? Do you know the types of skills and experiences you need from your first job to be qualified for your next career step? Do you know what questions you will ask in an interview about continuing education and career support? Do you know what your top three priorities are when seeking or accepting a job offer?
Bottom line, an excellent job out of college will prepare you for the next step in your career, or it will meet your unique needs.

Laurence Malone Ph.D.: Yes, but the pandemic will present distinctive opportunities from its challenges. Think of how in-person networking was compromised during the pandemic. Students often leave cultivating long-term personal relationships with career counselors, classmates, alumni, mentors, and faculty until their senior year. There are opportunities to deepen those relationships, now and in the future, virtually. Ask about connecting with alumni in the Economics department. Attend the first in-person alumni event that that you can, even if you secure a great position after graduation. Use your new understandings and capacities for living and learning online to reach out and deepen those relationships. Organize an online event where faculty, classmates, and alumni discuss trends and future developments in the economy. Why not create an event with the theme, "Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on economics graduates?"
Laurence Malone Ph.D.: Most experiences that are listed on the resumes of graduating seniors have become as homogenous as milk. Leadership roles as club officers, student athletes, and residence life assistants may sound impressive to you, but they are now the essential DNA of every graduate. For employers, these experiences are the minimal expectation of all applicants. So now that you're at the door, how do you get inside? With unique and unusual community engagement roles, volunteer service, and part-time work experiences.
The one-word answer to what really stands out is something that's QUIRKY.
For a graduate in Economics, this might be something you built, or extra training that you accomplished on your own. Quirky could also mean a challenge that you overcame. Did you complete a 500-mile hike? Did you volunteer for a disaster relief effort? Did you play a role as an essential worker during the pandemic? Are you an EMT? Have you served as a mentor to others, despite being relatively young? These quirky attributes can be hard to communicate on a traditional resume, but do what you do best - conduct some research on how to pull it off.
A good place to start is to ask how you overcame the impact of the pandemic and whether you offered help to others to do so. One of my recent graduates exemplifies the past, present and future of getting your first position after college, and what that job might look like. His resume showed a decent GPA and a solid list of those homogenous accomplishments mentioned above. But what really stood out was that he completed 30 hours of online training and volunteered for a crisis hotline. That won him four rounds of online interviews and a terrific position with a leading financial firm. And six months after the first interview, he still hadn't met with a single employee of the firm, in person.
Sean Edmund Rogers Ph.D.: The same ones that have always stood out - a solid record of performance and achievement, strong job knowledge and skills, relevant experience, reliability and dependability, a commitment to professional development such as via industry certifications, and so on. If there was one thing to add given the ever-increasing competition for jobs, it is that job seekers who have verifiable and demonstrable abilities that suggest they can hit the ground running and quickly create value for an organization may have a leg up. This is more than someone just being a self-starter. I'm talking about having a specific expertise like data analytics and visualization skills using Tableau. Just as firms seek to create and sustain competitive advantage, job seekers should be looking for ways they can hone their skills and expand their value-add for employers.
David M. Lang: The job market will reward people that require as little supervision and training as possible. Our pandemic times and likely, our post-pandemic times will involve a fair amount of remote working. As such, employers will want to make sure that the individuals they hire are self-motivated, quick learners who can hit the ground running without a lot of hand-holding. If taking a year off, I would make sure that job applicants devote some time to learning about the industry standards in which they plan to work. Does the industry use a particular software? Start learning about how to use that. Does the occupation use specific data or require coding? Devote some time to learning the basics of that as well. As always, don't forget the soft skills of communication (orally and written) and interpersonal relationships.

Dr. Douglas Karel Ruml: I believe that there will be continued home-based work, even after the pandemic is over: the need for time management and self-discipline. More analytics, science, technology, engineering, and math based majors will be needed.