Early indications suggest 2008 college graduates will enjoy a strong job market, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
September 24, 2007
Employers responding to NACE’s Job Outlook 2008 Fall Preview survey said they plan to hire 16 percent more new college graduates in 2007-08 than they hired in 2006-07.
"The job market for new college graduates has been gathering strength over the last several years, and this year we’re seeing that trend continue," said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.
This is the fifth straight year in which employers have projected double-digit increases in college hiring. Service-sector employers have the most aggressive hiring plans and expect to increase their college hires by nearly 18 percent over 2006-07. Manufacturers anticipate an increase of nearly 15 percent in college hires.
Fueling the increase: company growth coupled with retirements. Mackes added that a number of employers are looking to hire more new college graduates to feed their "talent pipeline" and are on the lookout for future leaders.
Separately, NACE said a year-end report shows salary gains for 2007 graduates. Accounting majors gained 3 percent over last year for an average starting salary offer of $46,292. Economics (business/managerial) and finance graduates posted average salary offers of $47,782 and $46,442, respectively.
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