Benefits   For most recent college graduates, salary, opportunity for advancement, and job satisfaction are three of the most important aspects when choosing a career.  Benefits packages are also another one of the top deciding factors.  Traditionally benefits packages have centered around vacation time, sick leave, pension and retirement but in recent years, items such as health care, childcare, training and stock options have increasingly become the focus.  The following chart compares components of a benefits package for science graduates entering teaching positions and industry positions.      

	Science Teachers	Entry-Level Industry Positions
Vacation time	Paid Summer Vacation (typically 3 months) Usully no other paid vacation time available	Typically 2-3 weeks paid vacation Paid holidays
Sick Leave	Variable	Approximately 5 days
Pension & Retirement	Normally pension plans only but some offer retirement too	Comprehensive retirement plans
Health Care	Comprehensive plans that also include dental and eye care; sometimes other services	Comprehensive and flexible plans including dental, eye care and other services Benefit compensation occasionally increases with employee rank and skill Some plans tailored to fit the particular needs of the employee
Childcare	Typically not available	Sometimes offered on-site in a private company center Benefits allotted in a set amount Coupons or discounts at licensed centers
Paid Training & Further Education	Usually not available	Funding for further skill development available In-house training programs Tuition re-embursement for graduate study
Stock Options	Not available	Typically offered to foster concept of company accountability
Other	None	Possible company car Typically an expense account in upper level management Possibility of paid company travel Holiday bonuses

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