Job outlook improving for college grads

OSHKOSH - Some soon to be college grads in the area took a step Tuesday they hope will get them closer to a job. Even with a slowly improving economy it still means persuading skeptical employers you're the one to hire.

Hundreds of UW-Oshkosh students, Fox Valley Tech students and recent grads still looking for work packed the Kolf Sports Center Tuesday for the Career Fair on the Fox.  It's sponsored by UW-Oshkosh and Fox Valley Technical Institute.

"I want to find a full-time opportunity. I want to make sure that I have job opportunities lined up so I can choose between them rather than just kind of search for one at the last minute," said senior Kevin Hockerman.

About 125 area employers came to offer those opportunities. Both full-time jobs and internships can help kick off a career.

"We're seeing a lot more full-time opportunities, which is exciting," said Jaime Page-Stadler director UW-Oshkosh's career services says outlook is optimistic.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, nationally, companies expect to hire about 13% more new graduates this year than last. That's up one-third from 2008 and the DWD says starting salaries have gone up about 3% in the last year. That's even with Wisconsin unemployment still almost 7 percent.

"They're going to have options. Not just an option when they graduate. Especially for those students who are proactive and network and build those relationships," said Page-Stadler.

Local employers say face to face networking like this is essential.

"It's important to get to know these people up front and they can get a leg up on the competition," said Gary Bradley with Cintas Corporation.

Page-Stadler recommends students have at least two internships and focus on the job search in their junior year.

"Students need to start thinking about a year out: What they need to do. What companies are they interested in," explained Page-Stadler.

It's a lot to take in, but one younger student who is still looking for a major says she feels more confident.

"I'm getting really significant feedback on internships and jobs, like how to prepare for interviews. It's really insightful," said sophomore Ashlynn Powell.

Page-Stadler told us the most recent tracking of Oshkosh grads was for the graduating class two years ago and showed 86 percent of those grads had jobs within a few months out of school, 14 percent did not.