Campus Connection

Early signs indicate the career outlook for this year’s graduating class is better than the last, said Tim Tritch, associate director of UW-La Crosse’s Career Services. Anecdotally, student interns are receiving more offers for full-time employment, more employers are posting on a job search database sponsored by UW System and this spring’s graduates are reporting more job offers than they did last year at this time, said Tritch. Also, nationally employers plan to hire 19 percent more new college graduates this year than they did last year, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). But Tritch cautions that the uncertainty about state budget cuts leaves a large question mark for public sector employment opportunities. For instance, more retirements from schools may cause a surge in school district employment for education majors who graduate this May. Yet those positions may be cut back in future years as school districts realize more cuts are necessary, said Brenda Leahy, UW-L senior student services coordinator. Despite the uncertainty, Tritch is generally optimistic. Employers are still making an effort to come to campus and share information even during the last week of classes, May 2-6. “It’s unheard of most years for employers to still be coming to campus the last week of the semester to recruit May graduates,” Tritch said. “There is a definite demand out there they are trying to fill.” UW-L has also seen an increase in students continuing education whether graduate, professional school or earning a second degree. “Some people say it’s because the job market is bad. But the thing to remember is UW-La Crosse is a competitive school to get into and we have high achieving students,” Tritch said. “A lot of students come here as new freshmen knowing they are going on in a field that requires continuing education.” Fast fact: Of the 1,842 UW-L undergraduate students who graduated in 2009-10, UW-L received employment information from 888. Among those responding 857 — or about 97 percent — had found employment or continued their education within six months of graduation. The vast majority of those employed – 516 out of 573 – found employment related to their major.   UW-L graduates to walk the stage on May 14 UW-La Crosse commencement will be Saturday, May 14, in the Mitchell Hall Gymnasium at UW-L. It will mark the last time a graduation ceremony is held on campus as the graduating class continues to grow and a larger venue is needed. Future ceremonies will be held at the La Crosse Center. Five ceremonies for all undergraduate and graduate students in UW-L’s three of colleges are planned on Saturday. UW-L has 1,535 candidates for graduation, including 315 graduate students and 1,220 undergraduates. Look here for more details on ceremonies. Ceremonies last about one hour. No tickets or reservations are needed. Also, ample special needs seating is available. Parking in campus parking lots is free on graduation day.