According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, job prospects for new college graduates remains positive. Employers expect to hire eight percent more graduates than in 2007. Starting salaries are also expected to increase an overall average of 5.3 percent over the same period last year.
“It’s a great time to be entering the job market. UNM candidates are being recruited at record levels as reflected in an increase in the number of organizations participating in on-campus recruiting events, which are up 16 percent in the past two years,” said Mary Montano, career placement manager in the UNM Office of Career Services.
UNM career fair registrations rose 44 percent, Montano said.
Hot careers include accounting, management information systems and engineering. Arts & Sciences majors are also being given a closer look as they bring a wide array of knowledge, skills and problem-solving abilities to the work place.
Locally, a number of organizations continue to hire at consistently high levels, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Kiewit, Lockheed Martin, Myners & Co, Thornburg & Co, UNM, USDA Forest Service and Walgreens.
New graduates should meet with a UNM career development facilitator to help focus a job search. Eliminating options that have no appeal allows for a more productive search.
“Although there is talk of recession, the job market is still extremely strong for well-prepared candidates, especially those who were able to complete some type of experiential education such as an internship or co-op work experience,” Montano said.
“For students seeking work-life balance, career opportunities in the public sector are at an all time high, with federal organizations leading the way in offering competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, family friendly support, and extremely attractive retirement programs such as the Thrift Savings Plan, with some agencies offering loan re-payment programs as well as support for completing graduate degrees,” Montano said.
As for graduate school, many employers offer to support employees in their pursuit of an advanced degree, so by making wise choices, students can have the best of both worlds.