Positive Job Markets for Grads
This Year's College Graduates Can Expect Ample Opportunities
A look at the year's job market and why it's a good year to be entering the workforce. A look at some helpful tips as well.
With graduation looming and college seniors facing their futures, a graduate’s sometimes anticipated (sometimes not) plunge into the real world may come as a shock – especially when it comes time to hunt for a job.
As graduates come face-to-face with varying piles of debt, they also will be welcomed by strong job markets as employment opportunities are predicted to expand by five percent this year.
Increased Competition
Positive markets alone don’t equate to jobs for graduates, though. But a candidate with well-polished credentials will fare better than most, and any advantage counts, says Dave Leibig, associate director of career services at Villanova University.
“A good resume, solid internship experience, and effective networking will make you stand out from others,” Leibig says.
And these tools become of utmost importance to the recent college grad, who is just one of approximately 44,000 college grads nationwide expected to be recruited by employers this year.
Job opportunities are expected to continue expanding, as they have during the past two years. Locally, colleges are also experiencing strong recruiting, Leibig says.
Reasons for Increased Opportunities
With the growing job market comes increased competition. According to Philip Gardner, writing for the Black Collegian, there are three primary reasons for the increased competition. First, experienced workers who were laid off are now seeking employment. Second, many recent graduates who started off during a recession are now seeking better jobs. And finally, many new retirees are returning to the job marketplace.
Tools to Make Yourself More Marketable
With such high levels of competition, a recent grad needs a solid background, says Jennifer Wickersham, career counselor at Villanova University.
“You need the total package,” she says. “You need a strong resume; you need internships and experience; you need to really sell the experiences you’ve had thus far.”
With so many employers seeking candidates across the industry spectrum, it is important to getting your name out there – and early.
“When looking for a job, don’t just do one thing and think that it will work,” Wickersham says. “Utilize multiple strategies: online job postings, newspapers, career websites.’”
Sources: Dave Leibig and Jennifer Wickersham-Direct conversation
Gardner, Philip. "Employment Opportunities for the Class of '07" The Black Collegian. Feb 2007.
