Based on the number of entry-level job opportunities posted to MonsterTRAK, the top occupations, are:
Business Operations, HR and Financial Services: Offering nearly one-fourth of all job opportunities for entry-level workers, this category includes jobs in accounting, financial analysis and research, management and administration, and human resource and labor relations.
Sales and Marketing: Brand and product marketers represented the most rapidly growing segment from within this category, growing more than 300 percent, year-over-year.
Architecture and Engineering: Naval architects and marine engineers are the most highly sought specialists by employers hiring in this category, followed closely by electrical, civil and mechanical engineers.
Computer, Information Technology and Mathematical: Of the top five, this category experienced the most growth, increasing almost 18 percent year-over-year. Opportunities for workers in programming, computer maintenance and support, geographic information systems (GIS) and web design are the most desired positions.
Office, Administrative and Customer Support: The most popular jobs in this category include administrative assistants, customer service representatives, receptionists and data entry clerks.
"Employers' demand for workers in the white-color industries have been consistently growing and will presumably continue to do so, as evidenced by entry-level hiring trends witnessed last year and supported by the Monster Employment Index findings," said Mark Charnock, Vice President and General Manager, MonsterTRAK. "This data not only provides young professionals with insight into the most prospering occupations, but presents students who remain undecided about a major - or those who are unclear which path to take after graduation - an opportunity to enhance their job search efforts down the road."
Preparing for a Career in a Top Five Industry
While business operations, HR and financial services are popular fields for hiring in 2006/2007, many of the people who will assume open positions in this industry will not have business or math-related majors. In fact, a variety of studies and experiences, both collegiate and otherwise, can offer candidates an opportunity to stand out among the competition. Applicants with unconventional majors can bring new expertise and skills sets to a job, offering employers the chance to build a unique, well-rounded staff.
"Our focus is on our clients and advisors and recruiting people who will have a passion to serve and to help our clients achieve their dreams," said Shelly Forkrud, Director of Advisor Recruiting and Selection for Ameriprise Financial. "In addition to attracting those with financial backgrounds, we look for talented people who are early in their careers or are making a career change. Everyone's background is unique, but each individual must have a strong sense of providing the best client experience possible."
