College Grads Concerned, But Confident They Will Find Jobs

by TMT Newswire

May 21, 2009 - BETHLEHEM, PA—Nearly two-thirds of the college Class of 2009 are concerned about finding a job, but nearly as many are confident they will be employed within three months of graduating, according to a new study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

NACE’s 2009 Student Survey shows that 63.6 percent of responding seniors are worried about their job prospects, and more than 61 percent see the economy as an impediment to their getting a job.

At the same time, however, “52 percent told us they are confident they will be employed within three months of their graduation,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director. “The results suggest that students understand the economy is a factor, but do not believe it will stop them from finding a job.” 

Despite that optimism, more than 40 percent of responding seniors appear to recognize that their first job out of school may not be as lucrative as they had hoped. “They expect to need financial help from their parents,” says Mackes.

NACE’s study shows that only 19.7 percent of those who have applied for jobs actually have one.

“A significant issue is that although most responding students say they have started looking for jobs, the majority—59 percent—had not actually applied for one as of the end of April,” says Mackes.

About NACE’s 2009 Student Survey: NACE polls students about their job search, career plans, and other issues related to employment on an annual basis. The 2009 Student Survey was conducted February 19, 2009, through April 30, 2009. More than 35,000 students representing more than 840 colleges and universities nationwide took part; more than 16,500 of those were graduating seniors. Information in this release is based on data gathered from graduating senior respondents.

About NACE

Since 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been the leading source of information about the employment of college graduates. For more information, visit www.naceweb.org. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media at www.naceweb.org/press/.

CONTACT:

Ed Koc, ext. 164, or Mimi Collins, ext. 119, 800/544-5272
ekoc@naceweb.org; mcollins@naceweb.org

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