This year’s crop of college graduates can be more optimistic about their employment prospects than their 2010 counterparts. Employers report that they will hire 19 percent more new college graduates this year than they did last year, according to a new survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
“This is the first time since 2007 that we’ve seen a double-digit increase in spring hiring projections. That’s a good indication that the job market for new college graduates is gaining momentum,” said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director. NACE’s survey found that hiring increases were expected across regions and in most industries and that employers were receiving fewer applications per job opening as this year’s graduates have more opportunities to choose from.
Engineers dominate the list of top-paid majors for 2010-11 graduates with bachelor’s degrees, accounting for seven of the top 10 spots on the list. Chemical, mechanical, electrical and communications, and computer engineering were in the top five. “That four of the top five top-paid majors are engineering and all received average starting salary offers in excess of $60,000 strongly indicates the continued high demand for these graduates,” Mackes said.
NACE monitors the hiring outlook and demand for new college graduates throughout the year through a variety of surveys and polls and is the leading source of information about the employment of college graduates.
