Top 5 Careers for College Women

When you’re in college, it’s important to not only focus on what major is most appealing, but also how that major will help you advance in your dream career post-graduation. Today’s troubled economy means the job market is tough, but according to a recent article from Forbes, there are still great options for women that are high paying and highly respected.  

Here are the top paying jobs for women, based on a 2008 analysis from the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau:

5. Computer and Information Systems Manager (Median yearly earnings: $65,520)

If you’re a die-hard tech geek, considering a high-paying postion as a computer and information systems manager. These managers typically oversee IT operations and network security, helping organizations put technology into practice.  To make this your future career, you’ll need at least a Bachelor’s degree. A Masters of Business Administration that’s technology-specific will you advance even further.

Best schools if you want to be a Computer and Information Systems Manager:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2. Stanford University

3. Carnegie Mellon University

(According to rankings by College Crunch)

4. Computer Software Engineer (Median yearly earnings: $70,252)

This job is ideal for computer whizzes with a talent for understanding the scientific and mathematical foundation behind computer design and engineering. As a computer software engineer you will design, develop, test, and evaluate computer systems and software. You will need a Bachelor of computer science or software engineering.

Best schools if you want to be a Computer Software Engineer:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (It can’t be beat for technology majors!)

2. University of California—Berkeley

3. University of Illinois—Champaign/Urbana

(According to U.S. News & World Report)

3. Lawyer (Median yearly earnings: $78,468)

Law has always been a well-respected and honorable profession, and accordingly, it’s also well paid. Lawyers serve as advocates in civil and criminal courts and also provide counsel to clients on matters relating to the law and business. But passion is key - seven years of collegiate education is a hefty time and financial investment that one shouldn't take lightly. You’ll need to earn a Bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT, attend law school for a Juris Doctor degree, and then study and successfully pass your state's bar exam before you can be hired by a city or practice.

Best law schools if you want to be a Lawyer:

1. Yale University
2. Harvard University
3. Stanford University

(According to U.S. News & World Report)

*Those Ivy law schools are very difficult to get into and also very expensive, so here the least expensive law school options that are still well ranked:

1. North Carolina Central University
2. The University of the District of Columbia
3. Florida A&M University
4. University of North Dakota
5. University of Mississippi

(According to About.com)

2. Chief Executive (Median yearly earnings: $83,356)

Do you like being the leader of the group? Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) oversee all operations of a company or organization, ultimately taking responsibility for the conduct of all employees and business performance. Whether you oversee a small company or a large corporation, being a chief executive is a well-paying and well-respected job. Though the education levels vary, most chief executives hold a business Bachelor’s degrees or Master’s in Business Administration.

Best schools if you want to be a Chief Executive:

1. University of Pennsylvania
2. University of California—Berkeley
3. University of Michigan—Ann-Arbor

(According to U.S. News & World Report)

1. Pharmacist (Median yearly earnings: $85,644)

The best paying job for women is in the medical field surprisingly isn't a doctor, nurse, or surgeon: being a pharmacist will net you the best paycheck overall. Working as a pharmacist is more than just counting pills - requires six to seven years of schooling, so be sure you’re willing to commit to that career path. To become a pharmacist, you’ll need to attend college, take the PCAT, and earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree after your undergraduate studies.

Best pharmacy schools if you to be a Pharmacist:

1. University of California—San Francisco
2. University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill
3. University of Minnesota

(According to U.S. News & World Report)

-- By Ali Straka, University of Missouri