54% of Employers Plan to Hire Recent College Grads

The college graduating class of 2012 is heading into a better job market than alumni of the previous three years, according to a new study. More than half of employers (54 percent) reported they plan to hire recent college graduates in 2012, up from 46 percent in 2011, 44 percent in 2010 and 43 percent in 2009. The national survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive from February 9 to March 2, 2012, included more than 2,000 hiring managers across industries and company sizes.

“This is the first time since the recession that we’re seeing a majority of employers planning to add recent college graduates to their employee roster,” said Brent Rasmussen, President of CareerBuilder North America. “Companies across industries are placing a strong emphasis on recruiting fresh talent for technology-related roles and positions designed to drive revenue – and they’re willing to pay more for high-skill, educated labor.”

How much will college grads likely earn?

Of those who plan to hire recent college graduates, 29 percent expect to offer higher starting salaries than they did in 2011. While employers were most likely to report that they would pay between $30,000 and $40,000, a significant portion will extend offers exceeding $50,000.

· Less than $30,000 – 20 percent

· $30,000 to less than $40,000 – 30 percent

· $40,000 to less than $50,000 – 21 percent

· $50,000 and higher – 28 percent

Which college majors are most in demand?

Business tops the list with technical majors following closely behind.

· Business – 39 percent

· Computer and Information Sciences – 24 percent

· Engineering – 23 percent

· Math and Statistics – 13 percent

· Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences – 13 percent

· Communications Technologies – 12 percent

· Liberal Arts and Sciences – 9 percent

What jobs are employers targeting college grads to fill?

Companies continue to recruit recent college graduates for roles that drive innovation, sales and new market opportunities.

· Information Technology – 25 percent

· Customer Service – 23 percent

· Sales – 21 percent

· Finance/Accounting – 18 percent

· Marketing – 17 percent

· Business Development – 17 percent