Clemson Graduates Find Jobs at Twice the National Average

CLEMSON, SC – August 24, 2010 – Clemson University graduates are finding jobs at nearly twice the national average of college graduates, and nearly half of them are staying in South Carolina, according to a survey.

Thirty-four percent, or 1,382, of 4,119 graduates responded to a survey between December 2009 and June 2010.

Twenty-five percent of respondents said they had accepted full-time jobs, nearly double the 13 percent national average reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Another 28 percent said they plan to attend graduate school. Additionally, half of those who accepted jobs are staying in South Carolina, and more than 60 percent of them will stay in the Upstate.

The average salary range the Clemson graduates reported was $45,000 to $49,000, with College of Engineering and Science graduates reporting the highest salaries ($61,360.91). The College of Agriculture, Foresty and Life Sciences reported the highest percentage of graduates — nearly half — who were planning to pursue an advanced degree.

“Many of our students go on to professional and graduate schools to find rewarding careers as medical doctors, research scientists, educators, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, foresters and natural resources managers,” said Thomas Scott, interim dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. “Our graduates hold leading positions with major corporations in South Carolina and the nation.”

Flora Riley, director of Clemson’s Michelin Career Center, said word is getting out about Clemson graduates.

“Business and industry leaders are recognizing the value of a Clemson degree. Combine that with the growing national reputation of Clemson and our graduates become highly sought-after,” Riley said. “This also shows we are keeping a high percentage of our outstanding students in-state.

“We do see improvement in the job market for college graduates, however, the climb will be slow because of the recession.”

Esin Gulari, dean of the College of Engineering and Science at Clemson, said graduates support economic development.

“From the microscopic world of nanotechnology to the reaches of space, Clemson engineering and science graduates are making their presence felt internationally. They’re performing work that has immediate impact on the quality of life globally, and they’re contributing to efforts at preserving our environment. The survey also indicates that College of Engineering and Science alumni are making their presence felt economically in the places they’re calling home,” she said.

Of the respondents who hadn’t accepted a job, 6 percent had offers and 28 percent were planning to attend graduate or professional school, according to the survey results.

“I think the survey results are a clear indicator of the outstanding quality of Clemson’s educational mission. The demand for Clemson graduates validates other national surveys in the value of a Clemson degree,” said Richard Goodstein, interim dean of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. “I am particularly proud of the fact that every Clemson student takes numerous classes through their career in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities.”

The College of Business and Behavioral Science at Clemson offers various opportunities for student exposure to jobs that await them.

“The college has enjoyed longstanding relationships with industry partners,” said Dean Claude Lilly. “Through these relationships, we’ve been able to offer our students rigorous internships and hands-on experiences that often result in jobs upon graduation. In addition, our college’s mentorship program pairs undergraduates with seasoned professionals in their fields, giving our students an incredible learning experience while also providing them a network from which to draw after they graduate.”

Students who graduate from our college are thinkers, leaders, entrepreneurs and global citizens, said Larry Allen, dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Development. The results of this survey are another reference that shows our graduates are both respected and in high demand throughout the country.