The outlook is pretty good for MBA students today. According to Indeed.com, there are 31 percent more MBA job postings than bachelor-degree job postings. Supporting this claim, the Graduate Management Admission Counsel (GMAC) reported that 75 percent of the 900 companies surveyed are hiring MBAs around the world, up from 71 percent in 2012. Companies are also expected to increase the average number of new MBA hires per company as well, from 11.4 in 2012 to a projected 14.6 in 2013.

What does this mean for current MBA students?

Current MBA students can rejoice at this recent finding, since it means the job market will be in their favor in upcoming job searches. It also means that the field will be more competitive, since studies have shown that there are more business majors on college campuses today.

Remember that college isn’t just a time to learn and prepare yourself for the job market, it’s also the perfect time to actually explore that market for yourself. So even if you’ve just enrolled in a San Diego MBA program, start thinking like a professional from the moment you arrive on campus. Take advantage of internships, build relationships with professors, and network early to set your name apart from the numerous MBAs who are aiming for the same jobs you’re after.

What about the PhDs?

According to Indeed.com, the average annual salary for an MBA grad is an impressive ,000, with a PhD somehow falling behind at $93,000. In fact, the prospects don’t look too bad for plain old bachelor degree-holders either, with a reported annual salary of $71,000. You might have had dreams of being “Dr. So-and-So,” but the reality is that sticking with your MBA is probably the best route to go in terms of salary.

Dream jobs

To motivate yourself through those grueling exams and complex finance equations, let’s talk for a moment about all of those dream jobs available for students with MBAs. Financial manager have a knack for making difficult decisions about business operations. If you snagged a job in The Big Apple, you could be making an upwards of $120,000 annually, according to Indeed.com, with power, prestige, and all of the excitement that comes with determining the financial future of your company.

Another ideal job for an MBA-holder is Marketing Manager. With this job title, you’ll get the best of both worlds: the opportunity to express your creativity AND determine selling and pricing strategies based on your knowledge and skills in this area. It’s the perfect mix between advertising and financial analysis, guaranteeing an exciting environment where you’ll be able to wear a lot of hats. If you went to work in Los Angeles, Indeed.com notes the average salary of an MBA in L.A. is $95,000. Now all you’ll need is a chic abode in Beverly Hills.