“Quo Vadis, New Graduate?”

According to a recent survey by Job Outlook, for the third year now there is a positive increase in hiring fresh college graduates for 2006. Business owners plan on hiring more from the class of 2005-06 than they did from the 2004-05 class as well as offering higher compensation and benefits for the new hires.

In the annual survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nine out of ten companies describe the new job market as good, very good, and excellent. Public accounting and consulting firms narrated the brightest prospect for the future graduates, while engineering and construction firms supported the idea by saying they'll also be hiring.

There is a growing demand for new graduates in the job market as a result of the also growing products and services they offer and to keep up with the retiring HR staff.

Who are in demand?

• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Accounting
• Business administration/ management
• Economics/finance
• Computer science
• Information sciences and systems
• Marketing/marketing management
• Computer engineering
• Chemical engineering

Mechanical engineering graduates topped the list and eyeing on them are aerospace, automotive, mechanical equipment manufacturers. They also plan on hiring graduates with Ph.D.s in science and computer related courses.

Banking, transportation, financial, and insurance services are seeking Economics/Finance graduates. The food and beverage processing companies, merchandisers, and financial services will need more Business Administration/Management degree holders. One-third of business owners plan on hiring associate graduates categorized into three: technology, engineering and business related degrees. Insurance and engineering/surveying companies appear the most in need of 2 year course graduates for they bear a productive kind of technical knowledge which does not require more training. They belong to the hands-on work force who developed a good work ethic which is sadly observed by employers as missing in previous amateur graduates.

During the survey, only 23.5%, (mainly manufacturers) respondents planned on hiring international graduates in 2006.

What qualities should a new graduate possess?

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be honest and has a high regard with integrity
• Can easily relate to others
• Maintain strong work ethic
• Can work well with others –TEAMWORK
• Analytical skills
• Must be self motivated and initiative
• Adaptability to change
• Updated computer skills
• Observant to details

The standards of companies’ ideal candidates are often higher than the last year’s. It is important that new graduates show good G.P.A.s as full time jobs come with good benefits coming from good revenues. Salary, should not be the sole consideration when looking for a job, benefits are part of it.

Here are some of the lists of benefits:

• Life and Medical/Dental insurance
• Retirement plans
• Annual and semi-annual increase
• Employee counseling program
• Dress code
• Paid trainings
• Bonus and commissions
• Family benefits
• Flexi-time
• Performance updates
• Vacation and sick leaves
• On-site fitness and recreational facilities
• Day care center
• Company car/service

The best places to seek competitive employers can be on campus job fairs, during on-the-job-trainings, student organizations and clubs, Internet search job search engines, etc. What’s important is that you target the right employers. Don’t let an opportunity pass, get in the interview to know more about their career offers and don’t forget to research about the company. You must be able to discuss your career objectives and compose a list of relevant and creative questions you can ask yourself.