By Jenny Kazan-Mills, SPHR
We have great news for college graduates!
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), U.S. college hiring is expected to increase by 7.8 percent. It’s no surprise that employers are most interested in bachelor’s degree graduates in the areas of business, engineering, computer/information science, natural sciences and communications. The type of companies hiring by major is listed below:
Type of Employer by Major:
| Major | Most Interested Industries |
| Finance | Government, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate, Retail |
| Computer & Information Sciences | Information Systems, Professional Services Finance, Insurance & Real Estate |
| Accounting | Government, Retail, Trade Finance, Insurance & Real Estate |
| Business Administration/Mgmt. | Retail Trade Finance, Insurance & Real Estate Government |
| Mechanical Engineering | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing |
In addition to key skills listed below, employers are seeking a minimum GPA of 3.0:
| Key Skills (listed in rank order/high to low) |
| Ability to work in a team structure |
| Ability to make decisions and solve problems |
| Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work |
| Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization |
| Ability to obtain and process information |
| Ability to analyze quantitative data |
| Technical knowledge related to the job |
| Proficiency with computer software programs |
| Ability to create and/or edit written reports |
| Ability to sell or influence others |
A few helpful tips for graduates:
- Secure internships prior to graduation to obtain valuable experience in your field
- Network, network, network to obtain leads and interviews
- Build long-lasting relationships and stay connected throughout your career
- Practice your interviewing skills so that you stand out among the candidates participating in the interview process
From an employer’s perspective, it’s important to consider what is important, in terms of work, to college graduates.
Here are three key factors for employers to think about when hiring recent college graduates:
- Provide interesting and challenging work
- Provide opportunities for growth
- Provide a supervisor who will mentor them
Considering these factors will allow employers to make the best college graduate hiring decisions!