The prospects for employment straight out of college are still tight, but today's grads have more opportunities than those who left school even a few short years ago, especially those who earn a marketing degree. Research from staffing firm The Creative Group* shows 15 percent of marketing and advertising executives plan to add full-time staff in the next three months.

When those executives were asked in which areas they planned to hire in the third quarter of 2012, 17 percent of said social media, while 12 percent needed staff for public relations.

"Investments in online projects and, in particular, social media initiatives continue to grow," said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group. "Hiring managers at organizations of all sizes and in every industry seek professionals who can help develop and execute digital campaigns, and cultivate online communities.

Social media websites are becoming a larger part of a business's marketing strategy and, according to DailyFinance**, many businesses have entire sections or groups that are assigned to promoting a brand on those platforms. With the popularity of social media growing, jobs will continue to open up in this industry.

*http://www.marketwatch.com/story/net-11-percent-of-marketing-and-advertising-executives-anticipate-hiring-in-the-third-quarter-executives-see-rise-in-recruiting-challenges-su​rvey-shows-2012-06-12

**http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/06/12/where-the-jobs-of-the-future-are-/​