Release date: May 7, 2009
News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Contact: Bill Fletcher, Director
MTSU Career Development Center
615-898-2501 * bfletch@mtsu.edu
May 2009 Career and Employment Snapshot
Information, Trends and Tips from the MTSU Career Development Center
As the MTSU spring graduation approaches and with the continuing economic slump, there is much attention on employment opportunities for college graduates. The following includes information from the MTSU Career Development Center as students prepare for spring graduation.
MTSU Statistics and Implications
On Campus Interviewing is the recruiting process where employers come to campus to interview students they have selected through specific job postings on the Career Center’s web site (Lightning JobSource).
• The number of student interviews conducted in Fall 2008 was up 41.8% over Fall 2007
• The number of student interviews conducted in Spring 2009 was down 34.7% over Spring 2008
Employer Job Postings through the Career Development Center include: experienced hire (alumni), entry-level hire (graduating student), student employment off campus (part-time job), student employment on campus (part-time job), and internships. Compared to Spring 2008:
• The number of entry-level positions posted for Spring 2009 was down 52%
• The number of student employment off campus positions posted for Spring 2009 was down 52.7%
• The number of experienced-hire positions posted for Spring 2009 was down 15.6%
Career Fairs hosted by the Center experienced a steady decline in employer participation as the year progressed. The Center hosted or co-sponsored 11 fairs throughout the 2008-2009 year.
Implications
• The data indicates that the region’s economic situation significantly affected hiring of college graduates between the end of November and mid-March. There was a greater decrease in entry-level and student employment postings during this period than at the end of the term in May. This could mean the decline is starting to bottom out or it is just a reflection of a last minute rush by employers to hire students before summer begins.
• The decline in student employment positions could affect students’ ability to pay for school. Many MTSU students rely on part-time jobs to help with educational/living expenses. A recent story on National Public Radio stated that this could be the worst summer for employment of teens (ages 14-19) since 1954.
• Given the tenuous nature of the economy, one would expect graduating students to take a proactive job search approach. Although student activity in the Career Development Center has been steady, it hasn’t been at the level expected given the current job market. In early April, the Center hosted a concentrated week of job search programming on a variety of topics. Student and alumni participation was sparse. (Handouts from “Career Countdown: Prepared or Scared” may be found at www.mtsu.edu/~career.)
Employment Trends
What Majors Are Hot?
More important than the field of study is the student’s motivation level. As long as the student is self-directed; has a specific, realistic career target; is networking; and is taking an active role in the job search process, then he/she can anticipate finding employment in 3-6 months. Too many students have the false belief that choosing a major equals choosing a career field. Students should use their education, combined with internships, cooperative education or part-time jobs to develop their job target.
In a good economy when jobs are plentiful, students are not as challenged to define what they want to do and consequently, can go out and “find a job.” In difficult economic times, students have to make greater effort to target their job search by having a clear goal/objective.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that healthcare, IT, and education are strong fields according to their 2006-2016 projections.
• In a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (JobOutlook 2009), the following were cited by employers as “top” bachelor’s degree level majors in the manufacturing, service and government sectors. The same is true for middle Tennessee:
1. Accounting
2. Mechanical Engineering
3. Electrical Engineering
4. Computer Science
5. Business Administration/Mgmt.
6. Economics/Finance (incl. Banking)
7. Information Sciences & Systems
8. Computer Engineering
9. Management Information Systems
10. Marketing/Marketing Mgmt.
What Do Employers Look for in Candidates?
In a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (JobOutlook 2009), the following skill/qualities were most often listed:
(5-point scale, where 1=not important, 2=not very important, 3=somewhat important)
Communication Skills 4.6
Strong Work Ethic 4.5
Teamwork Skills 4.5
Initiative 4.4
Analytical Skills 4.3
Computer Skills 4.3
Flexibility/Adaptability 4.3
Interpersonal Skills 4.3
Problem-Solving Skills 4.3
Technical Skills 4.2
Detail-Oriented 4.1
Organizational Skills 4.0
Self-Confidence 4.0
Leadership Skills 3.9
Tactfulness 3.8
Friendly/Outgoing Personality 3.7
Creativity 3.6
Strategic Planning Skills 3.4
Entrepreneurial Skills/Risk-Taker 3.2
Sense of Humor 3.0
Call to Action
Opportunity for Employers
For employers who may have positions to fill and do not want to be inundated with applications, the Center maintains resume books of active job seekers for alumni and the class of 2008-2009. This is an excellent way for employers to find active job searching candidates. How employers can take advantage:
1. Log into the Career Development Center’s recruiting system Lighting JobSource to search resume books or post positions
2. Contact the Center directly to request resume referrals.
3. Go to: www.mtsu.edu/~career and click on “Employers.”
How Can Students and Alumni Take Advantage of Services?
1. Register by completing the online registration form on the Center’s website.
2. Check the Center’s job postings several times a week, as employers are posting on a continuous basis. As the end of the term nears, the application deadlines are typically shorter.
3. Make sure to publish resume in the right resume book. This is where employers access them.
4. Review online resources: web pages, PowerPoints, and videos.
5. Develop a list of questions and arrange to meet with a Career Coordinator.
Advice to Job Seekers
• Do your homework! Review job search web sites including the Career Development Center’s site.
• In a good economy, a successful job search can take about 6 months.
• Develop a specific job target.
• Networking is critical to a successful job search campaign. Talk to people and let them know what type of position/field you are looking to enter.
• Understand the difference between the overt job market and the hidden job market.
• Spend no more than 30% of their time on job boards and 70% networking and researching potential employers.
• Learn how to research employers.
• Join groups and organizations both online and in person.
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