Good news for college graduates of 2007: The job market is more promising than ever for young professionals entering the work force.
January 8, 2007
Indianapolis, IN -- If the job market for college graduates flourished last year -- and it certainly did -- then grads really have a lot to look forward to upon entering the work world this year. JobWeb.com has announced that employers expect to hire 17.4 percent more new college graduates in 2006-2007 than in 2005-2006, according to a new national survey.
That's just the beginning of the good news for today's grads. Not only is the job market eager to recruit them, new college graduates are earning higher starting salaries than in years past and landing their first jobs in more fields and industries than ever before.
"When it comes to paychecks and prospects, conventional wisdom is right. On average, college graduates earn more money, experience less unemployment and have a wider variety of career options than other workers do," says Michael Farr, author of Top 100 Careers for College Graduates, Seventh Edition.
"A college degree also makes it easier to enter many of the fastest-growing, highest-paying occupations. In some occupations, in fact, having a degree is the only way to get your start."
With so many promising opportunities awaiting them, new college graduates don't have to jump on the first job offer they receive. Yet for many first-time professionals, this is exactly what happens. As newcomers to the world of work, new grads often have no idea what aspects of a job or industry make it the right one for them. They fail to explore all of the opportunities their degree affords them and allow their inexperience and eagerness to quickly land a job push them into jobs that don't complement their interests and career goals.
"Too many people look for a job without clearly knowing what they are looking for. Before you go out seeking a job, I suggest that you first define exactly what you want -- not just a job, but the job," says Farr.
"Most people think that a job objective is the same as a job title, but it isn't. You need to consider other elements of what makes a job satisfying for you. Then, later, you can decide what that job is called and what industry it might be in."
Top 100 Careers for College Graduates, Seventh Edition, is available at all major bookstores and from the publisher (www.jist.com or 1.800.648.JIST). For a free media copy or to contact the author, contact Natalie Ostrom.
JIST, America's Career Publisher, is the leading publisher of job search, career, occupational information, life skills and character education books, workbooks, assessments, videos and software.
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