The Job Outlook & Helpful Tips for the Class of 2014

By May 1st, 2018HR Blog

Graduation-2014By 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
FinanceGovernment, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate, Retail
Computer & Information SciencesInformation Systems, Professional Services Finance,
Insurance & Real Estate
AccountingGovernment, Retail, Trade Finance, Insurance &
Real Estate
Business Administration/Mgmt.Retail Trade Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
Government
Mechanical EngineeringMotor 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!

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