Diamond Jenkins
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Just like graduates all across the country, many in the Class of 2012 at Jackson State University will be headed into the workforce. This year, career counselors predict there is cause for optimism.
“The job outlook for 2012 graduates will be better than for 2011 graduates. The economy is slowing improving, resulting in cautious optimism for 2012 graduates. The job market will be very competitive, but being prepared as well as persistent will pay off in the long run,” said JSU Career Services Director Lashanda Jordan.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), business owners indicate they plan to hire roughly 10 percent more college graduates and 2012 graduates will make on average about 6 percent more than 2011 graduates. This year’s graduates will be paid on average $51,000 compared to $46,000 for 2011 graduates, depending on major, experience, prior internships, location, and the company/agency doing the hiring.
Adrienne Coins, a senior business major from Jackson, Miss. said, “I believe that not only your job placement post-graduation depends on the value of your degree, but on how you approach the demands of the job market once you leave college. You cannot just have a degree and expect for a good paying job to come to you.”
Top careers options include, but are not limited to: engineering, nursing, management, education (teachers), healthcare administration, computer software, and criminal justice. According to a report by AGbeat.com, the top five most in demand college degrees this year are:
• Business Administration — According to the Job Outlook survey, employers prefer candidates who have problem solving and leadership skills, which could potentially be acquired or honed through a business program.
• Engineering –According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the future looks bright for engineering graduates, with engineering jobs as a whole expected to climb 11 percent through 2018.
• Computer and Information Sciences — Computers have revolutionized the business world. Graduates tech-savvy skills are appealing to many employers.
• Accounting — Accounting majors have a bright 2012 outlook with 59.3 percent of surveyed employers planning to take on these graduates this year.
• Economics — According to the Job Outlook survey, economics degree grads have the attention of some 34 percent of surveyed employers who plan to hire them in 2012.
For every job opening, it is estimated that more than 30 people will apply. And with competition that tough, even the smallest detail can make all of the difference. Hiring managers cite work experience through internships, personality, specialties as some factors when it comes to making hiring decisions.
“Due to job competition, 2012 graduates must prepare themselves to become well rounded individuals. Employers are looking for employees who can step up to a challenge, communicate effectively with others and become a leader. Remember to think long-term,” said Jordan. “What are some things you can offer as well as learn, by being part of the team?”
Career counselors also recommend that graduates prepare for interviews by researching the company they are seeking employment with. They say going into an interview prepared and dressed appropriately can make a big difference when you are trying to stand out to employers.
Dr. Lavenita Cottrell, Assistant Director of Career Services at JSU, said there are career opportunities for graduates regardless of their particular major.
“Don’t limit yourself to thinking that you can only be hired for jobs in a certain area of your major,” said Cottrell. “Career preparation involves preparing yourself academically, preparing your resume, learning interview strategies, having the ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, cleaning up online information (example: Facebook), dressing appropriately, researching companies/agencies, and knowing the average salary for the position you are applying for.”
She cautioned graduates who may not find a job immediately after graduation to look for internship opportunities and/or become involved doing volunteer work in your area(s) of interest. “Don’t dismiss job opportunities that may pay a lower salary or are entry-level. These opportunities can help mold you for advancement as well as future career opportunities. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.”
Some graduates like Kendrick Law will be continuing their education, and others like Joanna Creal, a senior elementary education major from Pine Bluff, Ark., will find themselves in a classroom somewhere teaching the next generation of learners Law, a senior biology major from Pasadena, Calif., said: “I plan on attending medical school at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, N.Y. They say that getting into medical school is much more competitive than actually finding a job afterwards. Depending on which specialty you plan to practice in jobs can be extremely competitive.”
Creel received two teaching offers during the Spring Teacher Recruitment Day on April 4, 2012, where 65 School Districts/Parishes registered and participated in the event which represented 12 states.
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