2012 Grads Head Into Better Job Market
According to a study from CareerBuilder and CareerRookie.com, more than half of employers (54%) reported they plan to hire recent college graduates in 2012, up from 46% in 2011, 44% in 2010 and 43% 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.”
How Much Will College Grads Likely Earn?
Of those who plan to hire recent college graduates, 29% expect to offer higher starting salaries than they did in 2011. While employers were most likely to report that they would pay between $30,000 and $40,000, a significant portion will extend offers exceeding $50,000.
• Less than $30,000—20%;
• $30,000 to less than $40,000—30%;
• 40,000 to less than $50,000—21%; and
• $50,000 and higher—28%.
Which College Majors Are Most in Demand?
Business tops the list with technical majors following closely behind.
• Business—39%;
• Computer and Information Sciences—24%;
• Engineering—23%;
• Math and Statistics—13%;
• Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences—13%;
• Communications Technologies—12%; and
• Liberal Arts and Sciences—9%.
What Jobs Are Employers Targeting College Grads to Fill?
Companies continue to recruit recent college graduates for roles that drive innovation, sales and new market opportunities.
• Information Technology—25%;
• Customer Service—23%;
• Sales—21%;
• Finance/Accounting—18%;
• Marketing—17%; and
• Business Development—17%.
The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder among 2,303 hiring managers and human resource professionals (employed full-time, not self-employed, non-government) between February 9 and March 2, 2012.