Are you just starting out in the workforce? If so, it’s perfect timing. Job prospects for new and recent graduates have rarely been better. A historically low unemployment and an expanding economy have spurred recruiting by employers for entry–level jobs. College graduates are in the sweet spot within the economy as hiring for knowledge-based jobs has accelerated. Job growth in the technology sector has been particularly robust as the trends toward automation and digital enterprises have led the way in the current expansion.
Leading job listing site, Indeed.com, has analyzed the search preferences of job seekers with less than five years of work experience and produced a list of the most popular jobs. Indeed has developed a popularity index and rated each job on a 5–point scale.
As a result of that analysis, the following 10 jobs were deemed to be the most sought after:
1. Junior Mechanical Engineer jobs came in with the highest score on the preference scale (4.78) and an average salary of $57,822. Junior mechanical engineers support the efforts of senior engineers as they design, test, build, and modify mechanical and thermal systems. They must think analytically and solve problems in order to build or maintain operations in manufacturing, energy generation, and related facilities.
What you need to get hired: These jobs generally require a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Candidates with strong academic backgrounds with internship experience in mechanical engineering will generally be the most highly recruited. Here’s a recap of the skills employers look for.
2. Junior Java Developer positions were assigned a popularity index score of 4.24 and an average salary of $70,193. Junior Java developers assist in developing software, participate in design reviews and code reviews, create test plans, participate in testing reviews, and resolve moderate defects in software/computer programs. They support the design, documentation, and maintenance of the components of software solutions for information technology projects.
What you need to get hired: Junior Java developers usually earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or information technology. They need strong programming skills developed through course projects and internships.
3. Computer-aided Engineer represented the next highest rated occupation on the popularity index with a score of 4.13 and a salary of $87,973. CAEs or engineers specializing in computer–aided applications to engineering develop, select and maintain the software and computer programs utilized by engineers in many different settings. They must understand the intricacies of engineering-related disciplines and how computer resources can help engineers carry out their work.
What you need to get hired: CAE engineers can come from a variety of backgrounds especially mechanical and electrical engineering and must demonstrate expertise in computer solutions that address engineering challenges. Many CAE engineers earn graduate degrees in an engineering discipline.
4. Industrial Engineer jobs were assigned a popularity rating of 3.70 and an average salary of $71,619. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service. Industrial engineers review production schedules, engineering specifications, process flows, and other information to understand methods that are applied and activities that take place in manufacturing and services.
What you need to get hired: Industrial engineers need a bachelor’s degree, typically in industrial engineering. However, many industrial engineers have degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or general engineering.
5. Junior Product Designer ranked next on the popularity scale with a rating of 3.70 and an average salary of $57,234. Product designers analyze data about customer preferences and competitive products to originate concepts for new or modified products. They must collaborate with engineers regarding feasibility issues and technical specifications for new products. Product designers craft user flows, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to effectively communicate design ideas.
What you need to get hired: Product designers often earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial design. Expertise in marketing, package design, art, information technology, and engineering can also be useful given the types of products and services under development.
6. Junior Publicist was the next most searched job category with a popularity rating of 3.59 and a salary of $37,313. Publicists attempt to frame a positive image for an organization, individual or a set of clients. They develop media contacts and compose stories about their organization in an effort to generate media coverage. Publicists construct social media campaigns to draw attention to their clients. They review and contribute web content about their organization or clients. Publicists create strategic publicity plans and intervene to counteract negative press.
What you need to get hired: Publicists need strong organizational, writing, and creative skills. A bachelor’s degree with a background in journalism, communications, and/or marketing is typically required. Liberal Arts graduates with strong writing skills, social media savvy, and related internship experience can also access this field.
7. Junior Marketing Associate was assigned a popularity rating of 3.49 with an average salary of $42,185. Junior marketing associates assist experienced product managers and other marketing professionals with marketing functions including advertising, publicity, promotion, market research, social media plans, pricing of products/services, and distribution plans.
What you need to get hired: Marketing associates typically complete a bachelor’s degree with coursework in marketing. Liberal Arts graduates with marketing internships and strong analytical, creative, writing, communication, and organizational skills may also qualify for these positions.
8. Exercise Physiologist came in next with a popularity score of 3.27 and a salary of $41,837. Exercise Physiologists design, develop, and implement exercise and nutrition programs for clinical and non-clinical populations. They perform thorough client evaluations and fitness assessments for exercise program development. Exercise Physiologists must maintain positive relationships with clients, and in some settings, promote their services to prospective clients. They lead group exercise programs and fitness education sessions.
What you need to get hired: Exercise Physiologists will possess a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, movement science or a similar discipline. A certification by the American College of Sports Medicine is preferred.
9. Junior Electrical Engineer was rated with a popularity score of 3.09 and an average salary of $58,623. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
What you need to get hired: Junior electrical engineers need to complete a bachelor’s degree with a major in electrical engineering. Many candidates complete cooperative education or internship programs in the field.
10. Junior Data Analysts received a popularity rating of 3.09 and entailed an average salary of $53,476. Junior data analysts conduct statistical analyses to decipher patterns in organizational data that can help managers make decisions regarding marketing, finance, production, human resources, and other business functions. They meet with managers to uncover their data needs, create models, and generate reports to convey conclusions and recommendations.
What you need to get hired: Junior data analysts generally complete a bachelor’s degree with a major in data analytics, mathematics, statistics, accounting or business. They must possess strong analytical, quantitative, and cognitive skills. Some candidates come from alternative paths that require strong analytical and mathematical skills such as engineering and computer science.
