Median annual earnings of operations research analysts were $60,190 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $45,640 and $78,420. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of less than $36,180, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $95,990. The average annual salary for operations research analysts in the Federal Government in non-supervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was $89,882 in 2005.
Facts at a glance
Employers generally prefer applicants with at least a master's degree in operations research or management science, or a closely related field such as computer science, engineering, business, mathematics, or information systems.
Keen competition for jobs is expected. College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, strong communication skills, and computer skills should have the best job opportunities. High earnings, substantial travel, and long hours, including evenings and weekends, are common.
Median annual earnings in May 2004 were $63,610 for advertising and promotions managers, $87,640 for marketing managers, $84,220 sales managers, and $70,000 for public relations managers
Earnings Potential The marketing and sales industries hold a great deal of earnings potential. Marketing managers make a median annual salary of approximately $104,000, according to a 2007 survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary provides a base, but a majority of the income is generated in marketing and sales from commissions. Commissions are generated from a percentage of the sales amounts. Marketing and sales industry workers can depend only on a portion of their salaries if they cannot produce positive sales numbers.
Marketing and Sales Facts at a Glance Marketing and sales then come together to identify how to promote and sell the item to get the maximum amount of profits. Marketing and sales require common sense, but usually also an educational degree at a bachelor's level. Marketing requires a great deal of research in order to develop and produce a product. Sales people then target the intended audience and use their interpersonal skills to demonstrate the product to consumers. The sales portion requires persuasive speaking abilities. Marketing and sales work hand in hand to make the distribution of a new product possible. It may not always be a new product, but possibly a new market. Again, this requires research and pinpointing of how the product will benefit the new market of consumers.
Earnings Potential For those with degrees in communications, salaries vary considerably. News correspondents, for instance, earned a median annual salary of approximately $33,000 in May 2006, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nationally known broadcasters earn considerably more than this amount. On another part of the communications spectrum, public relations specialists earned a median annual salary of $47,350 in May of 2006.
Communications Degree Facts at a Glance When studying communication, coursework can be expected in journalism, business, marketing, management and electives. Virtually every business requires someone to coordinate their advertising, speak with the media and various other groups like staff and customers. In the field of communication, any international or global business would benefit not only from strong business and communication background, but also from language courses as well.
Earnings Potential There is great earnings potential with a degree in business administration. According to a survey by Robert Half International, finance directors earned between $79,000 and 184,000 in 2007. Large business organizations generally pay more than smaller ones and salary is dependent upon one's administrative position, the nature of their work, and the location of their business. Bonuses and stock options are often ordered as compensation.
Business Administration Facts at a Glance The key skills to succeeding in business administration are interpersonal skills, the ability to think and act quickly, decision making skills, and the ability to oversee business practices in order to secure its success. Communication skills both on the written and verbal side are a must. Professionals in the business administration field are also required to rely heavily on computers to sort, convey and track information related to their jobs, so some experience and understanding of computers is essential.
