There are always industries that do well in times like these. Some experts say the slowing economy is not affecting specific types of employers. Jennifer Wilford, assistant director of career services for the School of Journalism, said students graduating in May or December could have a difficult time finding employment. Because employers are hiring fewer people than predicted, there is higher competition for jobs. Employers recruit college graduates rather than high school graduates because employers assume college graduates will be better employees, said Linda Kaiser, director of career and program support for the College of Education.
College is that polishing factor.
College graduates have less experience than people who have been in the work force for a number of years, Collins said. When employers visit colleges to interview students for internships, they also are making contacts with potential employees. In some industries, a master's degree can lead to positions with a higher starting salary. For example, a master's degree in engineering would open doors for jobs in research, as opposed to jobs in design and development, said Robert Jones, director of career services at the College of Engineering. Because computer engineering is a technical field, there are fewer people who can do the job, making engineers well-paid, said Jane Burcham, an undergraduate adviser in the College of Engineering.