Eight high-paying jobs you can land with a degree from Rider

Achieve optimal work-life balance while still earning big in these roles

The workplace has changed drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic, it seemed that remote and hybrid work environments were an elusive opportunity that only a select few managed to obtain. Today, many companies have adopted remote and hybrid work models to retain current employees and better attract the next generation of talent. 

According to Gallup, among the greatest advantages of hybrid work is improved work-life balance. Satisfactory work-life balance benefits employees and employers in the form of higher productivity, lower absenteeism, better employee health, and a higher commitment and motivation to work. If this sounds good, stay tapped in — it only gets better. Accenture data reports that 63% of high-revenue growth companies have embraced hybrid workforce models.

If you’re interested in making a good living while reducing the risk of burnout, you’re going to need to know where to look. A report from Indeed says that among these hot jobs are software developer, marketing manager, HR professional and data analyst. Not to mention, the probability of finding employment in these areas is high in New Jersey, as data shared by The Washington Post shows that the Garden State has added jobs at a faster rate than the rest of the country since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Keep reading to discover more about these careers and how earning a bachelor’s degree from Rider can give you the education and credentials to break into these industries and increase your chances at an improved work-life balance or higher salary.

1. Accountant

Accounting is a clear career path with stability and high earning potential. There are no limits to where you can live as almost all organizations require an accounting department. If you dream of being your own boss, you have options as many accountants start their own businesses and build their client portfolios. 

Kickstart your journey with a major in accounting or finance. The AACSB-accredited business programs at Rider offer opportunities to further your knowledge of financial markets, investments and global business. Plus, the Big 4 accounting firms Deloitte, E&Y, KPMG and PwC often recruit Rider students for entry-level roles. 

2. Software developer

In our digital age and workspace, the valuable skills of a software developer are highly sought after. Most developers are well-paid, and the more skills you develop, the more opportunities there are for career and salary growth. Oftentimes, a developer can work from home and negotiate a flexible schedule. 

Get your coding into high gear by majoring in computer science. Rider offers a comprehensive curriculum developed with input from leading experts in computing and standards that align with the Association for Computing Machinery and IEEE-Computer Society. You can specialize your education in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, or software engineering.  

3. Human resource specialist

Are you a people person? If yes, human resources may be the field for you. As an HR specialist, you will not only have a chance to change lives for the better, but you will also be in a position to better an organization. You can drive positive change by championing diversity and building a stellar workplace culture while making an excellent salary. 

Consider earning a degree in human resource management to sharpen your people skills and make an impact in the contemporary workplace. Rider is currently #3 on College Factual’s 2024 list of Best Human Resource Management Schools in New Jersey.  Plus, employers of our program graduates include Johnson & Johnson, Bank of America, Enterprise, and Workday. 

4. Business analyst  

If you have an analytical mind, get ready to flex your brain muscles in an exciting career as a business analyst. You will have an opportunity for life-long learning while helping an organization increase efficiency and improve its processes. This is a job in high demand. Your growth will be visible and your earning potential high. A major in business analytics will help you build the knowledge to analyze complex data, uncover insights and find business value — all skills needed to excel in this role.

5. Digital marketing manager or marketing professional

Digital marketing is a dynamic career in a fast-growing industry. Spark your creativity as you utilize a variety of skill sets to develop winning campaigns and drive the organization you choose toward its business objectives. You will be well-compensated in this highly agile and versatile career choice. 

To excel in this creative career, you’ll need a myriad of skills to stand out from your competition. The interdisciplinary programs in Rider's School of Communication, Media and Performing Arts (SCMPA) offer opportunities to study or take elective courses in communication, public relations, digital and social media, graphic design, and more to help students build a multifaceted portfolio. 

Another option is to study in a business-focused marketing program to gain a comprehensive background in business and a critical understanding of consumer behavior, ad trends and audience development, and add a minor or elective coursework in one of our SCMPA programs.

6. Strategy manager

As a strategy manager, you will be a highly influential driver of an organization’s success. You will work with organizational leaders to improve decision-making practices, internal processes, and performance. You will take a prescriptive approach in managing how strategies are developed, as well as a descriptive approach as you put those action plans into practice. 

The majors, minors and certificate options offered in Rider’s AACSB-accredited Norm Brodsky College of Business will help you strengthen your leadership and strategic planning skills. Specific programs with courses of study that can provide you with a foundation to enter this role include business administration, management and leadership and international business.

7. Data scientist

Are you a math lover at heart with an affinity for statistics? If so, you may want to consider a highly technical career in data science. You’ll utilize data to extract meaningful insights that drive optimal outcomes in business. Your organization will look to you to interpret data that will ultimately identify opportunities, reduce financial risk and solve complex problems. This handsomely paid career allows you to work directly with top executives and big brands, often with little competition. 

Rider offers several programs to give you the tools to be successful in data science. A major in information systems will help you develop an understanding of how to utilize technology to help an enterprise realize its goals. Additionally, our actuarial science program will provide you with the crucial mathematical, statistical, computational and financial background to assess and manage financial risk, and the preparation for the series of examinations required for certification through the Society of Actuaries (SOA).

8. Research technician

Do you have a passion for science, an existing health credential, or experience working in a lab or hospital setting? Well, break out your lab coat and consider a career as a research technician. You will be responsible for research support, experimentation, data collection and analysis, and lab operations. Perks include flexible schedules, high salaries, stable employment and an opportunity to work at the forefront of science and medicine. 

Rider offers many science and health and wellness degree and certificate programs that provide students with classroom training and hands-on opportunities to complete research and fieldwork and prepare for a fulfilling path in this ever-growing field.

You can also consider studying in Rider’s allied health studies program as it supports students with an associate degree or an existing health license from a diploma program to build on their experience to advance their career across multiple settings.