Level of education often impacts salary
Matt Wilhalme
Unemployment has risen to 6.1 percent according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and now many MCC students have a growing concern for their futures. According to data obtained by the U.S. Census Bureau.
In 2007, American Community Survey, people over 25 with some college or an associate degree earned a median income of $32,874 over the course of 12-months.
Men earned approximately $41,035 and women earned less, $21,046, over the same course of 12-months.
Like many students, Tasha Timmins, a 20-year-old MCC student does not know what her major will be or what type of career would make her most satisfied.
She currently works in retail and rents an apartment in Mesa.
The job market is tough right now and currently no one knows what is really going to happen with the economy.
People searching for jobs right now need to be flexible and willing to take many different jobs, said Jeff Seifert, general manager of Professional Placement.
“I am actually looking for another job right now and it is hard I can’t find one,” Timmins said, “I just want to get my associate’s degree here at MCC and move away from Arizona.”
Seifert said his company is still currently able to place people in professional positions and what he calls para-professional positions.
Marketing and sales positions salaries range from $20,000 to $30,000 a year.
Administrative positions generally range from $23,000 to $25,000 but have room for growth upwards of $90,000.
“Start looking for a career in the field you want at least 3 months prior to graduation if not sooner,” Seifert said.
“Things are pretty flat right now as far as jobs are concerned. Those having the toughest time are people involved in the mortgage field, real-estate agents, and construction companies.”
Mahmood Ali, an MCC student, is currently pursuing a degree in accounting.
He intends on also earning a CPA so that he can make the most money possible with his career choice.
Ali intends on getting his bachelor degree and hopes it will be worth it in the end with a high salary.
Ali is concerned that in the current economy it may be difficult for him to get hired.
People over 25 years old with bachelors degrees earned an average income of $46,805 over a 12-month period, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2007 American Community Survey.
Median earnings for a male were $57,397, and female’s income was less at $38,628.
“Evaluate your job offers, it may not be the perfect job right now but it may lead to it,” Seifert said.
“You might be surprised, it is always good to know what you like and what you don’t.
