As May approaches, the sense of dread among graduating seniors increases.
Not just because they now have to go into the real world, but also because they have to find a source of income to live in the real world. Some may have no idea what they want to do with their degrees. Come May, some still won’t have a job secured, and the data says this isn’t uncommon.
Career Development compiles and releases statistics as to who has a job right at graduation and six months after graduation. This is done by contacting students via email, survey, telephone, and texting. The report breaks down graduates by those who are employed, those who are seeking employment, those who are seeking an advanced degree, and those who are not seeking employment.
At commencement in May 2018, 27 percent of graduates reported being employed and 20 percent reported acceptance to graduate school or other school. 44 percent did not have a job at graduation and 9 percent were still applying to graduate school.
To put that into numbers, 116 graduates were employed or going to school while 187 graduates were still looking.
For soon-to-be-graduating students, these numbers could be worrisome, but fortunately by six months after graduation, 75 percent of graduates were employed and 20 percent confirmed that they were starting graduate (or other) school in the fall.
Only eight graduates said they were not job seeking and only seven graduates said they were still applying for schools.
For comparison, those that graduated during the Great Recession in 2009, 65 percent of graduates were looking for jobs at graduation. 67 percent ended up with some form of employment six months after graduation.
To those walking across the stage on May 4, 2019, start updating your resume and looking for job opportunities as soon as possible.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a job right after you’re handed your diploma. According to ZipRecruiter, each industry is different, and some industries announce entry-level job openings during the summer.
According to ZipRecruiter’s data, openings for teachers are more likely to be posted during the summer. Marketing and customer service jobs are more likely to be posted in July.
That doesn’t mean you should sit back and relax.
Start updating your resume and begin looking for jobs. Submit your resume to Career Development for review.
According to a study by a technical recruiter using a tech company’s internal hiring data, typos in a resume are a greater turn-off than academic prestige is a turn-on. Let Career Development proofread your resume and put your best foot forward with employers.
Also log in to Career Development’s website Capital Jobline on Capital’s website to search for companies.
Another proactive step is going to career fairs. At careers fairs, you can get exposure to employers and find job opportunities. The largest career fair in Ohio is being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Ohio Expo Center.
Career Development is located on the second floor of Blackmore Library. Visit their webpage on Capital’s website for more information about their services and schedules.
