Hiring outlook for 2023 graduates is positive according to NACE

Photo by Aron Smith

Special to the Flash

There is good news for 2023 college graduates. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Job Outlook Report, the hiring outlook for college graduates continues to improve as employers plan to hire 14.7 percent more new college graduates from the Class of 2023 for their U.S. operations than they did from the Class of 2022.

And the good news doesn’t stop there, the NACE survey also found that the perception of the job market among employers is also climbing. This year, half of the employers that participated in the survey characterized the job market for Class of 2023 graduates as very good or excellent.

NACE cites the low unemployment rate as a contributor to the survey results.

The companies that want to decrease hiring cite several indicators as to why less employees are wanted. These factors are inflation, over-hiring from the previous year, and uncertainty about forced action.

For those graduates still looking for a job, the Career Services Center at Jackson State University provides graduates help with finding employment post-graduation.

LaShanda Jordan, Ph.D., executive director of the Career Services Center said, “The Career Services Center offers the same services to graduates that we do to our undergraduate students.  Graduates are able to get assistance with their resumes, interviewing, and other job search resources. Graduates are also able to attend special events such as Career Expo.”

Jordan offers these tips to graduates beginning their job search.

“Graduates should explore all options available to them as they conduct their job search.  Use your resources such as the JSU Career Services Center,” Jordan said. “Also, remember the importance of networking.  Take advantage of relationships you have formed as a student with faculty and your fellow classmates as you seek out jobs that are of interest to you.”

According to an article on CNBC.com, the most popular, sought-after jobs have a few attributes in common: competitive salaries, clear opportunities for career advancement, consistent demand and a healthy work-life balance.

The article cites information from research done by U.S. News and World Report. In it, a ranking of the 100 best jobs in America for 2023, focusing on occupations with the largest projected growth between now and 2031, included the following: 

1. Software developer

Median salary: $120,730
Projected job growth by 2031: 370,600 positions
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

2. Nurse practitioner 

Median salary: $120,680
Projected job growth by 2031: 112,700 positions
Education requirements: Master’s degree

3. Medical and health services manager

Median salary: $101,340
Projected job growth by 2031: 136,200 positions
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

4. Physician assistant 

Median salary: $121,530
Projected job growth by 2031: 38,400 positions
Education requirements: Master’s degree

5. Information security analyst 

Median salary: $102,600
Projected job growth by 2031: 56,500 positions
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

6. Physical therapist 

Median salary: $95,620
Projected job growth by 2031: 40,400 positions
Education requirements: Doctorate degree

7. Financial manager 

Median salary: $131,710
Projected job growth by 2031: 123,100 positions
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

8. IT Manager 

Median salary: $159,010
Projected job growth by 2031: 82,400 positions
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

9. Web developer 

Median salary: $77,030
Projected job growth by 2031: 28,900 positions
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

10. Dentist

Median salary: $160,370
Projected job growth by 2031: 7,700 positions
Education requirements: Doctorate degree

For a full list of the 100 best jobs, visit: https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/the-100-best-jobs

Graduating students had this to say about their plans post-graduation.

Rayesha Talley, a senior speech and theatre major from Lamar, Miss. said, “I’m applying for media production jobs right now and I want to start my career in media production.” 

Mikailah Jefferson, a senior journalism and media studies major from Indianapolis, Ind., has already secured a position.

“My plans are to move to Jackson, Miss. and work as an assistant multi-media specialist for the Mississippi Department of Archives & History,” said Jefferson.

Angel Sawyer, a senior graphic design major from Jackson, Miss., has diversified her skills for her future career plans.

“I plan on pursuing my business in childcare and having a personal business, which includes logo making,” said Sawyer.

Keyshawn Brison, a senior marketing major from Chicago, Ill. has also secured a position.

“Right now I have a job offer for public finance in Natchez, Miss.,” said Brison. “I plan on training for six months to become an assistant manager.”

If you haven’t landed that dream job yet, do not be discouraged, according to LinkedIn, finding a job after graduation can be difficult and takes the average college graduate three to six months to secure employment. 

Congratulations to 2023 graduates who are prepared to walk off the stage and into the dream career. However, if you still need help, contact the JSU Career Services Center at 601-979-2477 for assistance.