Clemson University grads finding jobs at twice the national average
January 12, 2012
CLEMSON, SC – January 11, 2012 – Clemson University graduates are finding jobs at nearly twice thenational average and the results of a recent survey may go a long waytoward explaining why. The 2011 National Survey of Student Engagement(NSSE) found that two-thirds of Clemson seniors had significant hands-onexperience as part of their college educations.
The survey showed that 67 percent of Clemson seniors reported havingan internship, field experience, clinical assignment or practicum — asupervised practical application of classroom learning. That’ssignificantly above the average of 50 percent for the more than 750colleges and universities across the nation that participated in thesurvey and 48 percent for public universities in the Southeast.
The NSSE survey also found that 38 percent of Clemson seniors hadworked on a research project with a faculty member outside of class,compared to a national average of 20 percent. As well, 77 percentreported working with classmates outside of class to prepare classassignments.
“Employers have come to expect Clemson graduates to not only be welleducated, but to be well prepared to use their education in professionalsettings,” said Neil Burton, director of Clemson’s Michelin CareerCenter. “This is a testament to the drive and work ethic of Clemsonstudents, and to the commitment of the university to have every studentmeaningfully engage what has been learned in the classroom.”
According to Burton, for 2010-11, 34 percent of Clemson studentseither had a full time job offer in hand or had committed to a branch ofthe armed services before graduating. The National Association ofColleges and Employers reported a 2011 national average of 18 percent.
The National Survey of Student Engagement obtains informationannually from hundreds of four-year colleges and universities nationwideabout student participation in programs and activities thatinstitutions provide for their learning and personal development. Theresults provide an estimate of how undergraduates spend their time andwhat they gain from attending college. Survey items on the surveyrepresent empirically confirmed good practices in undergraduateeducation. They reflect behaviors by students and institutions that areassociated with desired outcomes of college. For more information aboutNSSE, go to http://nsse.iub.edu/.
National Survey of Student Engagement
About Clemson University
Ranked 25th among national public universities, Clemson University isa major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented researchuniversity that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and studentsuccess. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered communitycharacterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration,school spirit, and a competitive drive to excel.
