Study finds 2012 grads’ job prospects are good

April 26, 2012

There's good news for those who are graduating from college this spring and beginning a job search. A new study conducted by CareerBuilder.com and CareerRookie.com indicates that class of 2012 grads are likely to have an easier time finding a job than those who have graduated in recent years.

The survey of more than 2,300 hiring managers at companies of all sizes and industries revealed that more than half of employers (54 percent) plan to hire recent college graduates in 2012. That's up from 46 percent in 2011, 44 percent in 2010 and 43 percent in 2009.

"This is the first time since the recession that we’re seeing a majority of employers planning to add recent college graduates to their employee roster," said Brent Rasmussen, President of CareerBuilder North America. "Companies across industries are placing a strong emphasis on recruiting fresh talent for technology-related roles and positions designed to drive revenue - and they're willing to pay more for high-skill, educated labor."

In all, 29 percent of those who plan on hiring recent grads expect to offer them higher starting salaries than they did in 2011. While starting salaries between $30,000 and $40,000 are most common, a significant portion will extend offers exceeding $50,000.

A college education has been shown to boost earning potential regardless of industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011, individuals with a bachelor's degree made an average of $1,053 per week, compared to $768 per week for those with an associate degree, $719 per week for those with some college (but no degree) and $638 per week for those with a high school diploma.

The CareerBuilder.com/CareerRookie.com survey also revealed the majors that are most in-demand by employers. They include business, computer and information sciences, engineering, math and statistics, health professions, communications technologies and liberal arts and sciences.

While those who have internship and other professional experience may have an advantage in the job market, experts say that other experiences are important to highlight on a resume as well. More than half (53 percent) said volunteer experience is valuable, 33 percent consider class work important and 20 percent said sports experience is helpful.

In addition, students who have worked on social media or written blogs may have a slight advantage in some industries, as 12 percent of employers said it is valuable experience.

While embarking on a job search can be stressful, moms who have a college degree should feel confident about their accomplishments. After all, balancing the demands of college and a family can be stressful!

Luckily, many don't have to worry about the debt they've accumulated while getting an education, either. Many mothers qualify for various grants for parents, scholarships for mothers and single mother scholarships. 
 

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