New Grads and the Job Market

A fascinating survey [1] answers some basic questions about the mindset of college students as they venture out into the job world. Some of the results are startling: fewer than 20% expect to get jobs through job fairs, recruiting agents, or employment agencies; almost 70% had at least one internship during college; more than 70% expect to make more than $30,000 at their first post-college job; 45% expect to make more than $40,000; 41% expect to stay one year at their first job, 38% expect to stay two years.

I wish the survey had reached a larger audience because I'm not sure if these results apply across the board, but it's interesting nonetheless. As a parent of 20-something children, I hear worrisome stories about the job market regularly.