US – Top industries for 2015 graduates

With graduation right around the corner, millions of young Americans are preparing to enter the workforce. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, postsecondary institutions are expected to confer an estimated 1.8 million bachelor’s degrees in 2015. If associate degrees are included, the number of total graduates will extend to about 2.8 million, up from 2.6 million in 2010. 

While about one-quarter of new graduates will pursue postgraduate studies, the majority will likely seek employment immediately following graduation. Statistically, job prospects for young graduates are stronger than they were five years ago, reflecting the stronger state of the national economy. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that the unemployment rate in January 2015 for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher stood at 2.9%, compared with 5.1% in January 2010. Furthermore, college graduates today are far more likely to secure employment opportunities than nondegree applicants. The overall US unemployment rate stood out at 5.7% in January 2015, which was nearly 3.0% higher than the unemployment rate among college graduates. Students that majored in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are typically best positioned to earn high wages, while graduates with nontechnical degrees generally experience higher unemployment rates.

Using its database of more than 700 industries, IBISWorld narrowed down the top nine industries for new graduates in 2015. These industries are characterized by strong employment growth, high average wages and increasing revenue. Technological advancements, new regulations and growing demand from emerging economies are three main factors contributing to the positive outlooks for these industries….

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at Top 9 Industries for 2015 Graduates : Media Center.