Big bucks for college grads with good communication skills

Here's the rest of the title .. NOT! Or we can just follow it with a Ha!
Here's a job listing I just saw that defines itself as entry level to justify the extremely low salary offered for a position in NYC.  Doing the math on this is scary because commuting costs alone (no telecommuting allowed) will take a huge chunk out of the earnings, deduct federal, state, and city taxes, as well as Medicare and Social Security, and you will find that there is no way you can cover rent in the city even with a bunch of roommates.

Here's the post with company identifier removed:

Do you know a recent college grad who is looking for an awesome fun entry level job in an awesome fun company (with an awesome fun employer)? Ideal candidates should know how to write and speak to clients. PhD in literature is not necessary but creative writing skills is a must. Also must be tech savvy. Bonus if you know HTML, and have web design and/or programming skills. If you have a blog I want to talk to you. Please note that entry level job = entry level salary. $20k-$22k as a trainee. $24k as a salaried entry level employee. The new hire will be trained in Internet marketing for 2-3 months. After that time, trainee will be evaluated and then will be offered a full time job if one is available. Not looking for PT help nor telecommute. Am seeking someone to work 9-5, M-F in my NYC midtown office. (We are on 45th Street at 6th Ave)

Responsibilities include:

- SEO Keyword research
- Organization of research using MS Excel
- Interaction with clients
- Must be Internet savvy. Attention to detail. Strong writing skills are a must. Prior knowledge of HTML is a bonus. No experience necessary but a desire to succeed and enthusiasm will be looked upon favorably. This is an entry level position.

For those who are wondering if the low salary really represents exploitation, it is. According to "College grads: Here's what your BA's worth" "The average starting salary offered to 2010 graduates with a bachelor's degree is $48,288, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers." However, in the interest of full disclosure, I must point out that that is the overall average, which includes the numbers for those with engineering degrees, who can expect a starting salary aroudn $75K.  That's more than twice what those who majored in the arts can aspire to: "Liberal arts majors can expect to be offered a starting salary in the range of $35,508, down 3% versus last year."   So there you have it: even though liberal arts student do not usually get the big bucks, the job I quoted is still paying about 50% less than the national average -- in New York where the cost of living is higher than the national average.   


Of related interest: Media Companies, a Nation of Serfs






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