May 2005

Briefly speaking: Job outlook is positive

Linda Hughes of the Internship and Career Center attends a recent recruiting event on campus. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis)

Prospects for spring graduates appear to be good, with the best job market in years and openings in a variety of fields.

While there are not as many jobs available as there were four years ago, graduates will enter a recovering market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 400,000 new jobs have been created already this year, following a steady trend of employment gains.

"The job market is looking up and opportunities are out there for graduates because of the gradually improving economy and retiring baby boomers, says Linda Hughes, program manager of the UC Davis Internship and Career Center.

Prospects good in several fields

UC Davis is known for producing strong science graduates, and Hughes says there is high demand for those in the health professions. In addition, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are picking up, she says.

The need for good applicants to fill business, engineering and related high-tech opportunities is also growing, although there is competition from experienced professionals already in the job market.

Hughes notes that government jobs are also opening up as retirements increase, and that opportunities in this sector are available for grads with liberal arts and technical backgrounds.

UC Davis graduates can typically expect to spend three to six months looking for an entry-level job.

Senior Amber Hammel, left, talks with Clint Simpson of Franklin Templeton Investments at a UC Davis internship and career fair in April. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis)

Building experience, networks

In addition to their coursework, Hughes says, the one thing that can most help graduates land a job is internship experience. More than 70 percent of UC Davis students serve as interns, gaining job experience and crucial contacts in the business world.

"Experience is critical," she says. "It means recognition and the ability to say that you have the appropriate skills and understand the work ethic."

The ICC provides workshops on resumes, interviewing and job-search skills, career counseling and more. It can help connect current students with internships or entry-level jobs. And the center also serves alumni by providing access to job listings through the Aggie Job Link, available through the center's Web site.

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