College is a time for students to build their skills and find a career path that fits them best for their future plans. Knowing what opportunities each degree offers after graduation can be important for students to understand.

As a student or graduate, living in the current economy while having a constant flow of payments and expenses can make it hard to survive on a minimum wage salary. Choosing and planning a career path while also gaining experience may be some of the most important steps a student can take toward getting a high-paying job.

Michelle Garrett, a recruitment coordinator with career services, said the most effective form of job searching for students is networking with people involved in their specific degree.

Advertisement

One factor employers look for in graduates is practical work experience, and internships are a great way for students to show off what they have learned in a professional setting, Garrett said.

Garrett said almost 58 percent of students who intern during college are offered a job at the place they interned when they graduate. She said externships, or week-long job shadowing opportunities, are also a great way to build a working relationship with people involved in a student’s major.

“It is a phenomenal start to a student’s professional network since you are paired with an alumni in your field,” she said. “Those professional networks are so important in finding a full-time position for graduates.”

According to an April 2013 salary survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $44,928 per year.

The survey also found degree specific salary figures. For example, students who graduated with an engineering degree earned an average of $62,535, while students with a degree in humanities and social sciences earned an average of $37,058.

Many students do understand the salary differences and job availability when they choose their major.

Trevor Notz, a senior from Homewood studying cinema, said after three years of studying at the university, he is searching for any job openings in his field.

Advertisement*

Notz said although he enjoys working with professors and other students in the cinema program, he knows the prospect of getting a job in film after graduation is average at best.

“I love working with film, it is a great feeling to see your finished product and share it with both film lovers and casual watchers,” he said. “ But I know how tough it is to make it in film, especially living in southern Illinois.”

According to the survey, recent graduates with a communications degree in areas such as film and journalism earned an average of $43,145.

Notz said although his dream job would be directing his own documentaries, he understands cinema graduates usually start out with lower paying jobs, and eventually make a name for themselves in the film industry.

“I do not expect to move out to Hollywood and be recognized for my movies, that would be unrealistic. But I hope to move there and show everyone how much effort I put into my work,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get a position as production assistant or boom microphone operator and eventually work my way up to director.”

While some students plan to climb the professional ladder in their career, others plan to stay in school to achieve a higher level of education.

Charlie Katt, a senior from Effingham studying criminology and criminal justice, said he is working toward his law degree to help secure a high-paying position after college.

Katt said although he plans on attending another two years at the university for his master’s degree, he hopes his tuition costs will seem minor after becoming a lawyer.

According to a September 2012 salary survey also conducted by NACE, students that recently graduated with a master’s degree in political science in areas such as law earned an average salary of $57,700.

He said since becoming a lawyer seemed like a natural fit, he thinks his career path choice will pay off in the end.

“I know the job market is tough right now, but almost everyone needs a lawyer at some point,” Katt said. “It is perfect for me … and I get paid to do something I enjoy.”