Your college academic advisor or high school counselor might tell you to follow your dreams, but there is one underlying question; what are the most lucrative career choices?
However, when starting a career, this shouldn’t be your concern. Whatever the case may be, a graduate degree pays in the end. Employees with a graduate degree earn double the salary as those who only have a high school diploma. However, do you know that salaries can vary for graduates as well?
You might have an interest in theology or social work, but that doesn’t mean you’ll earn a six-figure salary from an entry-level job in these fields, especially if you’re a fresh graduate. Therefore, it is wise to look ahead at career choices with the best earning potential right after graduation, especially if you have tons of student loans hanging over you like a dark cloud.
6 lucrative career choices
That said, let us take a look at some of the most lucrative career choices that you can look forward to after you graduate. Some of these career choices are listed down below.
Research Analyst.
Average Salary: 79,000 dollars
Organizations don’t make decisions without proper research. Their reputation and money ride on every corporate decision, and skipping research and data analysis steps can prove to be detrimental to their bottom line.
So it is where a research analyst steps in and helps them sift through tons of unstructured and structured information to ensure the organization’s decisions come from a well-informed place. They take raw data and turn it into an understandable and digestible form. Not to mention, problem-solving is a research analyst’s fundamental duty.
To become a research analyst, aspiring candidates must obtain a liberal studies online degree, be it a bachelor’s or a master’s. However, a degree in communications, business administration, or accounting will do the trick as well.
Petroleum Engineer.
Average Salary: 137,330 dollars
It is a petroleum engineer’s responsibility to design equipment and methods to extract gas and oil located below our earth’s surface. They have to work alongside scientists and specialists to understand reservoir formations before starting research and developing plans, equipment, methods, and other operations.
Furthermore, petroleum engineers have to specialize in various areas, including oil well buildings, drilling procedures, monitoring drilling equipment, and much more. Their work also requires them to travel to multiple drilling sites across the world.
To become a petroleum engineer, candidates must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in petroleum or chemical engineering, followed by a master’s in the same fields. However, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or civil engineering might also meet employer requirements.
Investment Banker.
Average Salary: 112,000 dollars
The recent financial crisis has taken away a lot of charm from the title of an investment banker. As a result, openings are not available like they were a couple of years ago. Not to mention, there is a lot of competition in this career choice.
However, the reality is that an investment banker’s job will always be among the most lucrative career choices for new graduates. It is an investment banker’s responsibility to help their clients raise money by selling equity or issuing debt. Other duties include advising them on investment opportunities or helping organizations with acquisitions and mergers.
To become an investment banker, candidates must obtain a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or any other related field. However, a master’s degree in the previously mentioned fields will improve chances of employment tenfold.
Anesthesiologist.
Average Salary: 261,730 dollars
When a patient needs to be put under anesthesia to undergo a complicated surgery, it is an anesthesiologist’s responsibility to administer anesthesia to ensure the patient feels as little pain as possible during the surgical procedure.
Moreover, these healthcare professionals sometimes have to make life and death decisions, so excellent judgment is vital in such a role. Other responsibilities include supervising, monitoring, and evaluating patients before and after a surgical procedure, leading the anesthesia care team, and administering critical care medicine.
To become an anesthesiologist, you have to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by four years of residency from a reputable medical institution. After that, individuals have to obtain a national board license before they can practice.
Chief Executive Officer.
Average Salary: 184,460 dollars
Although becoming a chief executive officer requires taking on tons of responsibility, being in charge of an organization has various perks, including a generous salary. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Acting as a point of communication between corporate operations and the board of directors
- Managing overall resources and functions of their company
- Making corporate decisions
- Maintaining the public face of their organization
It is a high-level position that graduates can apply for after acquiring enough working experience.
To become a company CEO, candidates must obtain a bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or a related field along with years of industry experience. Although, educational requirements will depend on the employer’s preferences and the industry their company caters to.
Accountant
Average Salary: 73,560 dollars
When skimming to the top, accounting may look like a straightforward profession. After all, it’s all about crunching numbers. However, being an accountant entails much more than sitting on your chair every day with a calculator.
It is an accountant’s responsibility to record and interpret financial information. Other roles include maintaining the accuracy of financial records, preparing and maintaining financial statements and reports, offering financial advice to clients and companies, performing risk assessments, maintaining tax compliance, and much more. Moreover, accountants must avoid negligence and act honestly when practicing.
To become an accountant, candidates must obtain a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Furthermore, acquiring a certification such as a CPA will improve your chances of employment at a big firm, leading to a better pay scale.
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Conclusion
Today’s workforce consists of individuals from various industries with varying salaries. Considering the rise in education costs, securing a high-paying job title after graduating will make it a whole lot easier to live a comfortable life.
Not to mention, doing so will allow you to pay off any student loans you acquired during your student life. So, whether you recently graduated or are looking to enroll in a graduate degree program, considering the career choices mentioned above will allow you to decide which career path to take without thinking twice.
