Job market still tough for graduating seniors
Released: May 6, 2003
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduating seniors are facing their toughest test yet – finding a full-time job after graduation. In fact, the task looks to be a rather daunting one with the present economy in a downturn. Business activity is slow and companies are taking a wait-and-see attitude before hiring.
However, the good news for students is that there are plenty of jobs out there waiting to be had.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the hiring outlook is best among service-sector employers, with a projected increase of 4.8 percent in overall hires. Those employers projecting the highest increases in college hiring are construction companies, consulting services organizations and public accounting firms.
Students graduating with degrees in the business disciplines are also seeing some increases in their starting salary offers. Business administration graduates received the highest increase, with an average salary of $36,515.
Technology graduates, on the other hand, will continue struggling to find a job in the aftermath of the dot.com bust of 2000. According to the Information Technology Association of America, employers are less optimistic about hiring tech workers. Companies are not buying the latest technology and software as it reaches the market, resulting in a decline in the need for new graduates.
“Job searches are no longer simply a matter of sending out resumes and then sitting back and waiting for the offers to come in,” said Craig Mosurinjohn, director of Career Services at UW-Whitewater. “Students need to actively pursue potential job opportunities.”
“Internships play a key role in students securing employment after graduation,” added Mosurinjohn. “The job market has become more competitive and while there are jobs out there, there is more competition for them. Graduates who have had an internship are best positioned to get job offers.”
So, what else can students do to succeed in the job market? According to a recent article in Newsday, it’s all a matter of being flexible and open-minded. Suggestions for leading a successful job search include:
— Expand your thinking. If you’re in information technology, don’t look only to computer companies.
— When checking the classified ads, look under more than “college grad” or your area of specialty.
— Forget the glitz of big-name companies and look to the small- to medium-sized lesser-known businesses, which often have more openings.
— Ask people you know to refer you to potential employers. Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job, especially in a tough market.
Mosurinjohn also encourages all UW-Whitewater students, especially those approaching senior year, to visit Career Services, located in the Harold G. Andersen Library. Staff members are on hand to assist students at all stages of career exploration and decision-making. Several different services are available to students, including career assessments, computerized career guidance, job search counseling and referral services. Students are also highly encouraged to visit the Richard L. Bailey Career Resource Center, which maintains current resources on all academic majors and a wide spectrum of occupations.
- Melissa DiMotto ,dimottom@uww.edu
