Where to from Here New Graduate?

Answering the surveys

According to a recent survey by Job Outlook, a new graduate might be able to respond positively to the “where are you going?” question, the title of that survey, since there is a positive increase in hiring fresh college graduates for the third straight year.

The survey indicates that business owners plan on hiring more from this year’s graduating class than they did from the previous year’s class, and they also intend to offer higher compensation and benefits packages for the new hires.

In another survey (conducted annually) by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nine out of ten companies describe the new job market as good, very good, and excellent.

In demand jobs

Public accounting and consulting firms held the brightest prospects for future graduates, while engineering and construction firms supported the idea by saying they will also be hiring. There is a growing demand for new graduates in this job market which can also be said is the result of growing products and services they offer, as well as keeping up with a retiring HR (Human Resources) staff.

So in what areas is there actual demand for new talent?

• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Accounting
• Business administration / management
• Economics / finance
• Computer science
• Information sciences and systems
• Marketing / marketing management
• Computer engineering
• Chemical engineering

Mechanical engineering graduates topped the list and focusing on them are aerospace, automotive and mechanical equipment manufacturers, among others. Moreover, they also plan on hiring graduates with Ph.D.s in science and computer related courses.

Banking, transportation, financial, and insurance services are seeking Economics/Finance graduates. The food and beverage processing companies, merchandisers, and financial services will need more Business Administration/Management degree holders also.

For the associates

In addition, one-third of business owners plan on hiring associate graduates from three categories: technology, engineering and business related degrees. Insurance and engineering/surveying companies appear to be most in need of 2 year course graduates since they possess a productive kind of technical knowledge which does not require more training.

They belong to the hands-on work force who developed a good work ethic, a quality which, unfortunately, is noted by employers as missing in previous amateur graduates. During the survey, only 23.5% of (mainly manufacturers) respondents planned on hiring international graduates

What qualities should a new graduate possess?

• Must have excellent verbal and written
• communication skills
• Must be honest and has a high regard with integrity
• Can easily relate to others
• Maintain strong work ethic
• Can work well with others…TEAMWORK!
• Analytical skills
• Must be self motivated and initiative
• Adaptability to change
• Updated computer skills
• Observant to details

Featured benefits

The standards of companies’ ideal candidates are often higher than last year’s. It is important that new graduates show good G.P.A.s as full time jobs come with good benefits resulting from good revenues. Salary should not be the sole consideration when looking for a job, benefits are also important considerations.

Here are some of the lists of benefits:

• Life and Medical/Dental insurance
• Retirement plans
• Annual and semi-annual increase
• Employee counseling program
• Dress code
• Paid training
• Bonuses and commissions
• Family benefits
• Flex-time
• Performance updates
• Vacations and sick leave days
• On-site fitness and recreational facilities
• Day care center
• Company car/service

research: your due diligence

The best places to meet competitive employers might be on campus job fairs during on-the-job-trainings, student organizations and clubs, Internet search on “job search engines,” etc. What’s important is that the right employers are targeted.

Don’t let an opportunity pass, hone in on the interview to learn more about their career offers; and don’t forget to do diligent research about the company. It is a must that career objectives be discussed; and also important is composing a list of relevant and creative questions to ask of the prospective employer.