Average Starting Salaries Report Reveals Good News for Engineering Majors

If you enjoy studying math and science, are doing fairly well in the courses, and still have not declared a major, consider looking into the various types of engineering degrees offered at your university or the universities you are thinking about applying to.  A recent National Association of Colleges and Employers report revealed that graduates with engineering degrees were placed in the top ten when it came to finding college graduates with the highest starting salaries in 2013.  This means that engineering majors, who graduated with bachelor degrees, were some of the highest-paid graduates in 2013.

The highest starting salary among graduates with engineering degrees in 2013 went to petroleum engineers, whose average starting salary was $97,000.  The second highest starting salary went to graduates with computer engineering degrees who made, on average, $70,900.  Chemical engineering majors were not far behind, averaging a $67,500 starting salary.

The reason engineering majors are often hired before they even set foot outside of their universities is because of the fundamental concept of supply and demand.  Engineers are needed in the manufacturing industry, in information technologies and computer systems, in military and defense branches of the government, infrastructure repair, and even the construction industry, which has bounced back noticeably after a significant lull in activity.

A change in the operations of many industries is another reason why engineers are in such high demand.  Companies are looking for innovators and inventors who can not only come up with ideas, but fabricate them as well.  Whether industries are looking to save money by figuring out how to increase efficiency and functionality, or responding to changes that affect an entire industry—much like how hydraulic fracturing and other new fuel technologies have changed the petroleum industry—engineers remain in high demand.

Industries and companies are looking to expand and they need engineers to do this.  This is why businesses are eagerly signing up for career fairs at universities with top-tier engineering programs.  So, if you tend to enjoy math and science and think you can handle an intense but rewarding work load, a major in engineering may be the right choice for you.

Take Risks With Interior Design in 2014

If you’re like most people, you probably decided to ring in the New Year with a new you. Among your resolutions to get you to your goal of being a happier, healthier you, did you happen to think about making some interior design resolutions?  It’s still early enough to make 2014 the year you revamp your outlook, style, and design.  Even if one of your resolutions was to be more financially sound, thanks to low-cost, higher quality retailers like Target, you can still keep up with the latest trends and pay a fraction of the designer prices.  Here are some design elements you should think about incorporating into your home to keep things fresh in 2014:

Saturated Colors and Rich Fabrics

What you think of as “neutral colors” may not be your safest style go-to anymore.  Colors like gray and beige are starting to be overused and are, frankly, just not that appealing after a while.  Instead, think about using a color like navy as your anchor or neutral color in a room.  If you don’t want to commit to a darker wall color just yet, try starting with a piece of furniture.  It is bound to become the stylistic focal point of the room.

Likewise, fabrics like cotton or linens that were previously named “safe” fabrics with ultimate design compatibility are starting to become boring choices as well.  Think about looking at furniture with a suede, velvet, or even corduroy fabric—any type of fabric that will be able to handle the darker color trend of 2014—to add some texture and depth to the your room design.

Patterns

Bold patterns are always a good choice and can make a statement about your personality and design preferences.  Floral patterns will always be a design staple.  However, that doesn’t mean that the floral pattern that was on your grandmother’s couch thirty years ago will be in this year.  Think about looking at more industrial, modern, even simplistic, floral patterns to use as accent pieces on a couch or loveseat.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and textures.  With all the new trends and design elements, 2014 should be remembered as the year you weren’t afraid to experiment with design.  Consumers should take bigger risks this year, and they will probably be very surprised with the results.  Design no longer needs to fit into a category that can be labeled something like “traditional” or “rustic” or “modern.”  This is the year to make bold choices and design the space that you want without worrying about conforming to labels.

Accessories and Artwork

As much as experimenting with colors and patterns is talked about for 2014, remember that an excessive about of furniture, accessories, or artwork can easily make a room feel cluttered and not cohesive. Choose objects with personal significance so you can work to keep your accessory collection from getting out of hand.  When it comes to artwork, sculptures can add depth to your walls and work as a great focal point for the room while taking up a minimal amount of space.