Graduates in the class of 1999 are entering a strong job market similar to the last two years, according to Gordon Gray, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ at Boulder Career Services director.
"The number of employer interactions with students on campus is unprecedented, " said Gray. "Increases in job postings, resume referrals, interviews and attendance at career fairs reflect a strong market nationally and locally.
"The Colorado unemployment rate has never been lower. There are many companies hiring and needing the skills of college graduates," Gray said.
Opportunities exist for college graduates in all fields. Employers tell Career Services counselors that any college degree lets them know that the candidate is a smart person and can learn and acquire skills to perform specific jobs.
"It's a favorable situation for liberal arts college students," Gray said. "They can study what they love and have the option of switching fields at graduation. A liberal arts graduate can go to work for a computer systems company and make big bucks. Their passion often doesn't fit a job opening, but their skills are transferable."
The most heavily recruited fields are computer science, electrical engineering, electrical computer engineering and business degrees.
"Graduates in the heavily recruited fields are getting job offers with starting salaries over $40,000, in addition to relocation and signing bonuses," Gray said.
Non-profit and social service positions usually pay less, but the jobs are there. The good economy and a rise in contributions to social service agencies are translating into more jobs in those fields.
Teacher aspirants are also finding jobs. Openings have increased as baby boom teachers retire and children from the recent baby boom enter school.
What skills are employers looking for in a college graduate? The top three are interpersonal, teamwork and analytical skills, followed by oral and written communication, computer and leadership skills and experience.
The top personal characteristics desired in employees are honesty and integrity, motivation and initiative, self-confidence, flexibility, a strong work ethic, enthusiasm, ethics and energy.
Employers also value skills attained through involvement in student clubs and organizations and other extra-curricular activities, such as leadership, committee work and service.
Internship experience most often can give a graduate the edge over other candidates. Off-campus work related to an academic major or career ambitions can help students become more decisive in their career choices and more competitive in the marketplace.
CU-Boulder is working to meet the employer demand for interns. Last year the Cooperative Education and Internship program reported 7,743 internship opportunities from 2,325 organizations. More than 65 employers were represented at February's Internship Fair.
Gray advises college students in all classes and majors to make the career planning, preparation and decision-making process part of their college experience.
"If a graduating senior shows up in April seeking career assistance, it's very difficult to help them find work. Career planning is a four-year process," he said.
Career Services offers a career and academic planning calendar to help guide students from their freshman to senior and graduate college levels that includes counseling, workshops, fairs, resume development and internships.
For more information call 303-492-6541 or visit the website at .