Rosy Job Outlook for 2005 Graduates

PRINCETON, N.J. - After several dismal years, 2005 is expected to see the first growth in job opportunities for new college graduates since 2000, says CollegeJournal.com, The Wall Street Journalís guide for career-minded college students.

More than half of the employers surveyed by the Collegiate Employment Research Institute stated that the market was good for college labor, with 47% of the respondents reporting that they will definitely hire new college graduates in 2005óan 11% increase from two years ago.

ìThe good news is that employers are more optimistic about the labor market for college graduates,î says Valerie Patterson, senior producer, CollegeJournal.com. ìHiring for college graduates this year is expected to expand by approximately 20%, and we expect job growth for a wide range of majors and degree levels.î

The important professional-services sector, which hires a large number of college graduates, reports more confidence in hiring growth. Other economic sectors showing strength this year include retail, wholesale, transportation (not including airlines), health services, lodging and entertainment, and real estate. Sales and marketing positions are also in demand this year. Computer science and information-technology-related majors will see an increase in opportunities for the first time since the collapse of the dot.com sector. As electronic manufacturing begins to rebound, hiring is expected be up for electrical engineers. Chemical engineers appear to have the best labor prospects among technical graduates, with hiring activity in petrochemical, plastic and pharmaceutical companies.

CollegeJournal.com says the sectors among the most eager to hire include:

Transportation.

Real estate.

Educational services.

The manufacturing sector (chemicals, petroleum and plastics companies).

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