For members of the Class of 2006 still searching for a job, a report released last week by the National Association of Colleges and Employers has some encouraging news: employers expect to hire 14 percent more college graduates this year.
The study, which polled employers about their hiring prospects for the national class of 2006, found that 60 percent of the employers polled planned to hire more college graduates than they did for the class of 2005.
Companies in the Northeast announced the greatest jump in hiring, an estimated 24.8 percent increase since last year.
Twenty percent of polled employers mentioned a planned increase in starting salaries, while 90 percent commented on increased competition for new college graduates.
It's unclear how these numbers will affect University students.
"I think I haven't experienced the benefit of that number," said Anna Megill '06. She is still looking for a job.
But Princeton students have appear to have successfully managed the job search, for the most part.
According to Career Services, about 69 percent of the Class of 2005 planned to enter the job market immediately after graduation. Of those, about two-thirds had secured employment, with the remainder still seeking it at the time of commencement.
"From what I've experienced with my friends, they seem to be saying that it's going to be a good year for Princetonians," Mike Murray '06 said.
Another senior, Paul Thompson '06, said he thought Princeton's luck reached beyond just this year. "I've always had the impression that Princeton grads had an easy time with [job searches]," he said.
Thompson also noted that many of the firms who recruited seniors on campus had previously hired Princeton alumni.
While the Princeton name may give an applicant an advantage during the job search, many seniors have found that the name on the resume is only part of the picture.
"It depends on the position one is looking for," Murray said. "Certain firms are looking for certain schools, but for other firms and industries, it doesn't matter at all."
In fact, some have found their edge dulled by competition from other Princeton students.
"I searched through Career Services. A lot of other Princeton students are using it, so I think the advantage is lost," Megill said.
"You need something more than 'Princeton.' It may get them to read your resume, but if you don't have anything to back it up, it's not going to do you a whole lot of good," she added.
Thompson, who has secured a job at the investment bank Barclays Capital after graduation, agreed with Megill.
"Once you get beyond the first interview, [the Princeton name] doesn't matter anymore," he said.
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