Congratulations Class of 2012!

Source: PEOCompare Blog

Congratulations to the many classes of 2012!

PEOcompare.com would like to extend its congratulations to all of those students who comprise the Class of 2012 and are heading out into the workforce.  Obviously now is not the best time to be graduating considering our economy is still recovering from the recession of 2008, but the key word is recovering; our economy is indeed making progress even if it is slow.  I have compiled some interesting facts about job growth because as hard as you may have worked in school your biggest challenge still lies in front of you: finding a job.

Best places for economic growth

Is the school on your diploma important because of the prestige of the school or because of the location of the school?  According to Kiplinger.com, the top states for economic growth in 2012 are not in the Northeastern United States, home of the prestigious Ivy League.  Instead, Utah, Arizona, and Florida have the biggest predicted job growth for the year, followed by North Dakota and South Carolina.

Best jobs

Different companies produce their annual Best Jobs list based off of unique criteria (e.g., predicted growth in the field, job satisfaction, salary, work environment, and stress levels).  Comparing U.S. News “The 25 Best Jobs,” CNBC’s “The Best Jobs for 2012,” and CareerCast’s “The 10 Best Jobs of 2012,” particular careers are continually named some of the best.  While my compilation is not complete, here are a few of the most common “best jobs:” computer systems analyst; software developer or engineer; financial planner or advisor; occupational therapist; human resources manager or specialist and occupational therapist.  Another common job was a variation of a mathematician such as a financial planner or an actuary.  Given the greater nationwide emphasis on STEM programs in high schools in order to prepare for math and science jobs, there is likely to continue to be major economic growth for (in the broadest terms) mathematicians and scientists.

Again, PEOcompare.com would like to congratulate the Class of 2012 and wish them the best of luck in their job hunting!  Remember, you could always find a job working for a PEO company.

If you find other geographic areas that show promise for job growth in the coming years or other careers or sectors that are beginning to flourish, comment below.