presentation creation, strategic planning and social media
management make up just a few of the things you’ll learn as a
communications major. Careers can include positions in public
relations, event/meeting planning, social media and human
resources.
3. Human Resources
Every company needs employees to hire and train
other employees. A degree in human resources focuses
on organization behavior, social psychology,
employment and labor laws, and “Business 101.” Data
integration is changing the field of human resources, so other
technical skills are being added to the curriculum. Graduating with a
degree in HR can land you a job working as a human resources
manager, compensation/benefit analyst or labor relations specialist,
to name a few.
9. Engineering
This category encompasses a myriad of focus areas
ranging from chemical and biomedical, to civil,
industrial, and aerospace—just to name a few.
Engineering majors are in high demand and related
jobs rank among the highest paying in the U.S. Applying science to
real-life problems makes this an appealing career area.
10. Biology
Studying biology means studying the world
around us. From plants to animals to humans, and
the environments in which they live, biology
majors can find themselves in the genetics or
biotechnology industry, going on to medical school, or becoming
an environmentalist, to name a few.
4. Business
This degree integrates the skills of leadership, problem
solving, economics and communications, making it a
very marketable option for college students. Classes
include finance, accounting, marketing, statistics,
economics and human resources. This major is a great option for
those who know they want to get into the business world. Careers
can range from marketing or account management to financial
analyst or sales manager.
5. Economics
If the quote “There’s no such thing as a free lunch”
resonates, a major in economics might be a good
option. It is heavily focused on a combination of
critical thinking and math and lays the groundwork
for graduate studies in law, public policy, or
international studies. Positions include actuary, lawyer, financial
analyst and international business consultant.
6. Construction Management
Buildings are constantly being constructed
everywhere you look. A construction management
professional ensures that projects are completed on
time and on budget, and jobs can vary from
commercial to residential buildings. A major in this field requires
studying engineering and architecture, followed by hands-on
construction experience.
7. Psychology
A psychology major can expect to focus on human
behavior, learning, emotion, mental disorders and
personality. This degree can help graduates land jobs as
therapists, counselors, or even teachers or lawyers, with
continued education.
8. Nursing
Nurses are in high demand since it takes a special person
to do what nurses do. Nursing majors typically take science
and liberal arts courses, then are required to work directly
at a hospital for clinical rotations. They can choose a focus
area in pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, and others.
Start Saving for College When Your Kids are Born
There is no time better to start saving for college than when your
child is born, or even earlier! There are many options available
for parents who want to get a jump-start on saving for college,
and some plans even allow for savings to be used at the child’s
discretion (for education or something else) when they reach a
certain age.
Parents wishing to save specifically for education purposes
can open a 529 college savings plan. The name comes from
Section 529 of the IRS tax code, which encourages saving for
future educational purposes through a tax-advantaged plan.
In Pennsylvania, there are two options available: the PA 529
Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or the PA 529 Investment Plan
(IP). Each plan requires a certain amount of money down (as
little as $15) and both plans can be used at most post-secondary
schools, including colleges, universities, technical and professional
schools, or even elementary or secondary public, private, or
religious schools. Another benefit is that neither of these plans is
limited to in-state tuition.
The biggest difference between the two plans is the way your
money is invested and how it’s managed. The GSP allows you to
choose the type of school or tuition level to save toward, then the
PA Treasury manages your investments from there. The benefit
is that your savings continues to grow with tuition inflation. The
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