The nation’s economic downturn is clearly demonstrated in the latest annual employment report prepared by the NDSU Career Center. According to the survey of recent NDSU graduates, one in five are active in a job search three months after graduation. A total of 78 percent of respondents are employed or furthering their education.
The report, “Annual Employment Report–2009,” is based on 1,340 responses from graduates who earned bachelor’s degrees for the terms ending in August 2008, December 2008 and May 2009.
According to the report, 705 respondents, or 52.6 percent, said they are employed. Of that number, 614 respondents, or 87.1 percent, reported being employed in a position related to their major or minor, and 44 said they are working in part-time positions. The survey found that 268 respondents, or 20 percent, are active in a job search, while 340, or 25.4 percent, reported “post baccalaureate and professional” education.
Graduates reported accepting employment in 37 states and four other countries. A total of 394 respondents, or 55.9 percent of employed respondents, reported they had accepted positions in North Dakota.
“The Annual Employment Report is a much-anticipated indicator of how our NDSU graduates succeed in securing employment or continuing their education,” said Jill Wilkey, Career Center director. “The number of graduates still seeking employment three months after graduation is not surprising given the state of the college labor market. They face fierce competition. Job seekers today need to be focused, directed and connected to succeed in becoming employed.”
Wilkey also noted the average annual “related” reported salary was $41,000 and the highest reported salary was $97,000.
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.
