Spring Break
National study paints positive picture for grads
By: Josh Kurtz
Issue date: 5/18/07 Section: News
Originally published: 5/18/07 at 4:15 AM EST
Last update: 5/18/07 at 4:15 AM EST
Originally published: 5/18/07 at 4:15 AM EST
Last update: 5/18/07 at 4:15 AM EST
The job prospects for graduating seniors continue to increase, according to a study done by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Many Drexel seniors have advantages in their job search, says Peter Franks, executive director of the Steinbright Career Development Center and associate vice provost.
The NACE report predicts that the percentage of seniors receiving jobs after graduating will increase by approximately 17.4 percent for 2007 graduates.
Franks mentioned that Drexel students have advantages that help them succeed in the job market, namely the University's co-op. Students can gain experience in resume writing, interviewing, the job search and how to have a professional demeanor through co-op.
In some cases, according to Franks, Drexel students can get higher salaries because of prior work experience.
Training that some students receive during co-op can also help their prospects on the job market, he said.
In addition to increased experience, co-ops can help improve a student's resume.
Drexel students are "very competitive in the job market," Franks said.
He stressed that starting the job search early is a key for seniors. He said seniors need to begin their job hunt during the fall of their senior year. According to Franks, many seniors do not realize this and consequently fall behind on their job searches.
Franks also mentioned that Drexel's job search program is strong. Drexel's career fairs have had record numbers of employers in attendance. Some employers have been put on a waiting list for the previous year's career fairs due to a lack of room.
While the hiring rates for many jobs are increasing nationally, the NACE report cited some that have seen especially large growth. Many of these jobs coincide with programs offered at Drexel. Among these, explained the director, are information technology, computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, nursing and many business jobs.
Franks cited accounting as a specific example. The NACE report said the number of accounting jobs increased by 5 percent in 2006 from the 2005 total. Another increase is expected for 2007.
The NACE report predicts that the percentage of seniors receiving jobs after graduating will increase by approximately 17.4 percent for 2007 graduates.
Franks mentioned that Drexel students have advantages that help them succeed in the job market, namely the University's co-op. Students can gain experience in resume writing, interviewing, the job search and how to have a professional demeanor through co-op.
In some cases, according to Franks, Drexel students can get higher salaries because of prior work experience.
Training that some students receive during co-op can also help their prospects on the job market, he said.
In addition to increased experience, co-ops can help improve a student's resume.
Drexel students are "very competitive in the job market," Franks said.
He stressed that starting the job search early is a key for seniors. He said seniors need to begin their job hunt during the fall of their senior year. According to Franks, many seniors do not realize this and consequently fall behind on their job searches.
Franks also mentioned that Drexel's job search program is strong. Drexel's career fairs have had record numbers of employers in attendance. Some employers have been put on a waiting list for the previous year's career fairs due to a lack of room.
While the hiring rates for many jobs are increasing nationally, the NACE report cited some that have seen especially large growth. Many of these jobs coincide with programs offered at Drexel. Among these, explained the director, are information technology, computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, nursing and many business jobs.
Franks cited accounting as a specific example. The NACE report said the number of accounting jobs increased by 5 percent in 2006 from the 2005 total. Another increase is expected for 2007.
