Just like many graduating classes before them, the Class of 2017 are looking forward to graduation day and stepping out into the working world. However, experts say that they will have to face a harsh reality when it comes to their salary and other employer expectations.
Most new graduates of the Class of 2017 may find that their salary expectations are far more different than what employers have in mind when it comes to entry-level positions. Where new graduates expect to be paid more than $50,000 on their first job, employers are only willing to pay around $45,000 for entry-level positions. This reality and a lot more will leave a lot of fresh graduates disappointed.
Aside from the salary, a recent report created by iCIMS, an HR recruitment software provider, said that 82 percent of recruiters hire applicants whose college degree is not related to the entry-level position they are looking for. Recruiters also stressed that applicants should familiarize themselves with the company and the industry they are applying to before the interview.
The study also shed light on the growing importance of past work experiences and internships over academic scores. Recruiters advise applicants that in order to make their resumes stand out, they should stress their past work experiences as well as relevant capstones and class projects, and extracurricular activities they have been involved in that are related to the position they are applying for.
Recruiters also say that there is a great need for STEM graduates in the workplace. In fact, 60 percent of the recruiters expressed that they are more likely to hire an applicant with a STEM degree. However, only 23 percent of the Class of 2017 have STEM degrees.
While the news sounds dire, recruiters say that having a college degree still has a great advantage than those who don't. They say that a college degree makes an applicant more competitive in the job market.
