Jobs Abound – It’s a Great Time to Be a Graduating Senior

Jobs Abound – It’s a Great Time to Be a Graduating Senior

For those graduating from college this spring and full of angst regarding the next big life step, fear not. The job market for new college grads is looking good this year, and those making the transition from academia should be prepared to take advantage. Surveys conducted by a professional staffing firm show that companies are planning not only to hire more recent college grads, but also are willing to pay them more when they come on board.

One survey indicated that 41% of hiring managers were now more active in recruiting recent college grads for entry-level positions than in the past, while only 13% of those surveyed said they’d reduced college recruiting. A second survey showed that 70% of hiring managers planned on recruiting college grads, up from 62% last year. Of those hiring managers interviewed, 25% planned on raising salaries for entry-level employment positions. The base salary range noted ranged fairly widely, from $20,000 per year to $40,000 per year.

A third survey, conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers showed that 60% of employers that responded were planning on hiring more college grads this year than in 2006. We’re seeing a greater range of opportunities opening up for new college graduates, said Marilyn Mackes, the executive director for the National Association of Colleges and Employers.