Communication, psychology favored by some employers
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November 20, 2006
Business, engineering and computer science graduates are among the group employers are hiring the most, according to a report released by MSU's Collegiate Employment Research Institute on Friday.
"There are some sectors that are really hot," said Institute Director Phil Gardner.
Gardner's survey, which includes information from 864 companies surveyed in September and October, showed a 5 percent increase in the market from last year.
Many of the larger industries, especially the manufacturing sector, are hiring college graduates in entry-level positions to replace the older generation of workers who have recently taken buyouts or retired.
For instance, up to 11,000 people could leave Ford Motor Co. by the end of this year, said company spokeswoman Marcey Evans.
But some sectors, such as retails, aren't hiring because of a hampered economy.
Still, few majors are going to be "left out in the cold."
Similar to last year's Recruiting Trends report, companies are looking to a variety of degrees — such as communication and psychology graduates — for good people skills, Gardner said.
"Employers are looking for a wide range of people," he said.
Political science and pre-law sophomore Owen Kilmer isn't too concerned that he doesn't have one of the "hot" majors.
"I don't really give it that much thought," he said.
He figures his transition into the working world will go smoothly after college.
He might go to law school or try several different jobs, Kilmer said.
But want to know the key to hooking that job after college? Don't delay the search until the last minute.
"If they wait till the end of their senior year it's going to be tougher to find a job," Gardner said.
Alex West is only a freshman, but the 18-year-old has already starting planning ahead.
The aspiring journalism major eventually wants to write theater reviews for a newspaper or magazine.
Now, he's trying to gain experience in his future field so he doesn't "walk in blind."
"I'm looking online for freelancing and publishing (opportunities)," West said.
He hopes the early preparation will make it easier to find a job after he graduates.
Students need to be proactive and job hunt early, especially since they are competing against older, more experienced people who have been out of college for three to seven years, Gardner said.
"Employers have many options, which takes the pressure off the college market," he said.
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