Have you chosen a top job?

September 28, 8:46 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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You graduated into one of the toughest job markets in years, so what types of jobs were/are graduates of the college Class of 2009 most likely to be offered?

Teaching positions topped the list, according to a new report published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

NACE’s Fall 2009 Salary Survey report lists teaching, management trainee, financial/treasury analysis, consulting, and sales positions as the top five jobs offered to 2009 graduates.

“The types of positions offered to new grads has remained fairly stable over the past five years,” said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director. “In general, employers value graduates who have the skills required for these types of positions, regardless of the economy.”

What has changed is the importance the private sector plays in providing job opportunities for new college graduates.

Although teaching has consistently been an important opportunity for new college grads, private sector opportunities held the top spot until 2008, when teaching moved up the list.

“From 2002 through 2007, the number one opportunity was management trainee or sales positions,” said Mackes.

Besides underscoring the importance of the public sector as a “home” for new college graduates, the shift from private to public sector opportunities could have ramifications for salaries for new grads.

“In general, public sector jobs pay less than those in the private sector,” Mackes says.

In fact, the average starting salary offer to new college graduates fell this year. The average salary offer to a 2009 bachelor’s degree graduate stands at $48,633; that’s 1.2 percent less than the $49,224 average offer for the same graduate from the Class of 2008.

(Job Function) - (Starting Salary Offer)