Realistically, How much should I expect? I will have a BS in Economics

Buba001 · 11-01-2009, 12:37 AM

Lets take a look at my current Degree:

I will have a 3.5 GPA with a BS in Economics
I will have had 2 internships
I will have had study abroad experience for 4-5 months
I will have had previous work experience- Accounting, Construction, IT, Painting, Little Caesar's(It sucked), Office Work. I worked Part Time almost the entire time I was in College.

I'm wondering about what Salary would I expect coming out of Undergraduate?

With the current state of the Economy I would assume that $40,000 would seem applicable. Although I think if I really tried I could make $50,000-$60,000? Maybe? Maybe Not?

I hate to think of my degree like this(I would rather go to graduate school; and I hate to think of learning in College as a ticket to getting a higher paycheck only); but still I am quite curious.

Grinding · 11-01-2009, 02:15 AM

I have (will have in may 2010) a BA in Econ and the job offers that I have gotten have either been 65k base or 70k base (plus sign on bonus, and a nice year end bonus for finance jobs). I go to a pretty good school /w a nice gpa and decent (not gret by any means) work experience.

Buba001 · 11-01-2009, 09:32 AM

Thank You for the Reply:

Do you go to a top 50 school by the US News and World Report?

How high is your GPA?

I have plenty of work experience- So I don't see that as a potential problem.

What firms are you applying for? Who has given you offers?

BigMike3541 · 11-01-2009, 12:16 PM

Seems like most of the budge bracket investment banks are offering 70K salary/10K signing to all of their analysts now. seems like a reasonable place for an econ major to go.

hmom5 · 11-01-2009, 01:33 PM

There is a huge range depending on school attended, special skills, region where job is, industry job is in. Right now, many feel lucky to get A job.

All in (salary, bonus, other perks), unless you are in the top .5% coming from an ivy, aiming at an ibank, $40-$60K does seem to be a reasonable range.

researchmaven · 11-02-2009, 06:31 AM

Hmom5 is correct. Over 60K would only be for the top .5% and at an ibank. Many people from top schools cannot get paying jobs at all. There was an article in Saturday's NY times about the many recent grads working in unpaid internships. This is also my personal experience with those I know here in NYC. I'd be thrilled with $40K in this economy.