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New Grads Weigh What They Want in a Job

By Sueann Tannis
Black College Wire

Photo Credit: Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles Students "want to get paid," one graduate says.

Just two years ago, Kevin Johnson-Azuara entered Howard University as a transfer student. He got involved in various programs, clubs and organizations, and was even president of the African Students' Association.

But it all came to an end recently when he took his last final exam at Howard. His life as an undergraduate student is officially over, and just like hundreds of thousands of students nationwide in the class of 2005, he is wondering what his next move will be.

Even though Johnson-Azuara has not quite decided on a career or academic move, he is sure about two things. One, he wants a job that pays well, and two, he wants to work for an employer that stresses diversity.

"I would be very stupid to want a job that was low-paying and [had] people of the same type of . . . race and ethnicity," he said. "But if I really, really had to pick, I'd choose a well-paid job."

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, he's graduating at the right time. In a survey of students in more than 70 disciplines, NACE found that the average salary for students fresh out of college will be higher than it was last year.

In fact, average salaries are rising steadily, according to NACE's executive director, Marilyn Mackes. "Eighty-five percent of disciplines that reported a percentage change in average starting salary posted an increase," Mackes said. "That's positive movement over last year at this time, when a little more than two-thirds of the disciplines that we track saw their salaries rise."

According to the salary survey, students in chemical engineering top the salary pyramid, with average earnings of nearly $55,000 per year. Results also show that students in economics, finance and information sciences can earn between $45,000 and $51,000. Students in liberal arts and marketing make the least, with salaries between $30,000 and $38,000.

However, it should be noted that while students in liberal arts disciplines saw their average salaries fall by 4 percent last year, marketing majors saw theirs rise by the same percentage.

While students will be keeping their eyes on paycheck promises before accepting a job, a diverse work environment also seems to be a factor. William Nesbitt, a 21-year-old who completed his undergraduate program at Norfolk State University, said that having diversity at his new job is important to him.

"It's going to be more people who you can relate to, who look like you and who have a similar background," said the District of Columbia resident.

Having a diverse group of co-workers is also important for Douglas Dickson, a graduate who wants to be an orthopedic surgeon, even though he is about to enter a residency program where he will be the second person of color ever to enroll.

"They're looking for people of color and that's one of the reasons why I was drawn to them," said the 27-year-old. "We need a lot more people with different backgrounds to improve the workforce."

However, some people aren't fortunate enough to have diversity-minded employers at their door. So the question remains: Where should they look?

According to DiversityInc.com, an online educational source on the business benefits of diversity, Pitney Bowes and Allstate Insurance Co. top the list of companies that hire and keep minorities. Coca Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, Verizon and General Mills also made the top 10 list.

But while working for a company that offers a diverse work environment is appealing, some students are still looking for more benefits.

According to NACE's 2005 Graduating Student and Alumni Survey, medical insurance, yearly raises and retirement plans are among college students' most desired job benefits. Akinseye Akiola, a 19-year-old finance major at Howard University, fits into that group. He says benefits are a priority.

"A well-paid job is important, but more important are the benefits," he said. "I'm not trying to be worked to death like a donkey with $1 million in my bank account that I can't enjoy."

Johnson-Azuara agreed. He said his ideal job would certainly include an attractive benefits package.

"Adequate vacation time and health benefits for myself and my family-to-be are important. Also, being able to inter-network with people from various companies, and travel opportunities are important," he said.

At the end of the day, most people's decisions still come down to dollar signs.

For Tai Harley, a 22-year-old graduating senior, it's "all about the Benjamins."

"I don't care about diversity. Right about now, I think [a good-paying job] is very important, especially when you are coming out of school and have loans to pay back," she said.

Nesbitt has a similar view and thinks the bottom line is how much money you make in the end.

"I don't know anybody who comes to college so they can work for free," he said. "They want to get paid."

Sueann Tannis is a student at Howard University who writes for the District Chronicles.

Posted May 23, 2005