The country’s ongoing economic difficulties are evident in the latest annual employment report prepared by the NDSU Career Center. According to the survey of recent NDSU graduates, nearly one in four is active in a job search three months after graduation. A total of 76 percent of respondents are employed or furthering their education.
The report, “Annual Employment Report – 2010,” is based on 1,431 responses from 1,759 NDSU graduates who earned bachelor’s degrees for the terms ending in August 2009, December 2009 and May 2010.
According to the report, 770 respondents, or 54 percent, said they are employed. Of that number, 684 respondents, or 89 percent, reported being employed in a position related to their major or minor. The survey found 290 respondents, or 20 percent, reported pursuing “post baccalaureate and professional education” after graduation, while 340 respondents, or 24 percent, said they are active in a job search.
Graduates reported accepting employment in 34 states; Washington, D.C.; and six other countries. A total of 420 respondents, or 55 percent of employed respondents, reported they had accepted positions in North Dakota.
“The continuing struggles with our nation’s job market are clearly reflected in the report,” said Jill Wilkey, Career Center director. “It’s taking longer for college graduates to secure employment and this report reflects employment success within three months of graduation. There are predictions of an improved hiring environment for college grads in 2011.”
Wilkey also noted the average annual “related” reported salary was $38,000 and the highest reported salary was $82,000.
Since 1995, the survey has provided an annual snapshot of the graduate employment rate. Graduates are questioned through electronic surveys, mailed surveys and telephone calls.
Located in Ceres Hall, the NDSU Career Center is a comprehensive employment information and resource center that connects students and alumni with employers. The center coordinates such events as the Part-Time Jobs Fair, Engineering and Technology Expo, Tri-College Graduate School Day, Tri-College Career and Internship Fair, North Dakota Education Connection, Summer Jobs Fair, Spring Career Fair and Meet the Firms.