Are new graduates finding jobs?

Job market better, but not great

It’s the time of year for graduation ceremonies. In New Jersey, the transition from the classroom to the workplace may be challenging this year.

The employment outlook for new graduates is better than last year, but it will still be difficult for many to find the job of their dreams. That’s the assessment of Carl Van Horn, the director of the John Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers.
And he says grads who do find work might not get the compensation they were hoping for.

“Given the fact that there are a number of applicants for every job opening, maybe a six to one ratio, it means that employers are in the driver’s seat in that they don’t have to offer as much to entering workers as they would have a few years ago and there’s much less likely to be a hiring bonus and other amenities.”

Horn says the job market might not show major improvement for several more years, and more grads are deciding to stay in college to pursue an advanced degree.