Hiring projections increase
April 11, 2012
There's good news for mothers and anyone else who is graduating from college this semester. A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reveals that employers expect to hire 10.2 percent more new college graduates from the college Class of 2012 than they did from the Class of 2011.
When employers were originally asked about their hiring plans for the Class of 2012 in September, the projected increase was lower at 9.5 percent over last year.
"Although employers haven't revised their earlier projections significantly, this upward movement along with other positive economic indicators show that the job market for new college graduates is improving steadily," said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.
NACE's 2012 Job Outlook Spring Survey was conducted from February 8 through March 19 and included 160 companies that hire new college graduates.
The survey also showed an increase in the average number of jobs posted by respondents, up 10.5 percent from 105 in 2011 to 116 currently. By comparison, in 2010, employers reported an average of just 45 job postings, according to NACE.
There's also some good news for those who are not graduating this semester but are still looking for an opportunity to get some real-life experience in their desired field. NACE's 2012 Internship & Co-op Survey reveals that employers report plans to increase internship hiring by 8.5 percent compared to last year.
In addition, most of these internship opportunities are paid. NACE reports that organizations expect to pay bachelor's degree-level interns an average of $16.21 per hour. That's down slightly from the 2011 average of $16.68 per hour.
Internships are increasingly important for college students of all ages. A 2011 NACE report revealed that individuals who work as paid interns while completing their degrees are more likely to get a job offer, have a job in hand by the time they graduate, and receive a higher starting salary offer than their peers who undertook an unpaid internship or no internship at all.
"Paid interns reported spending more time on 'professional' duties and therefore appeared to gain more of the 'real' experience that appeals to employers than unpaid interns, who spent more time on clerical activities," said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.
Internships can help individuals gain invaluable experience, as well as aid in paying bills and offsetting other costs while students are still in school. In addition to reducing the costs of higher education through employment, moms who are heading back to school may be eligible for various scholarships for mothers, single mother scholarships and grants for parents.
