graduation
the university daily kansar
9B
Economic forecasters pessimistic for spring graduates
By Anne Weltmer
Kansan correspondent
editor@kansan.com
Soon graduates will be entering the full-time work force for the first time. Some lucky students have already gotten jobs lined up, but others are planning to start looking after graduation. For the latter, there are a few important things to know before starting the hunt.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers has done a study to determine the average starting salaries of each
major, comparing the year 2000 graduates with the projected graduates for the year 2004. Some examples include English majors starting at $27,062 in 2000 and now getting $28,786, a 6.4 percent increase; business majors received $33,310 in 2000 and will get a projected $36,012 in 2004, an 8.1 percent increase; and computer science majors received $44,649 in 2000 and will receive $47,109 in 2004, a 5.5 percent increase.
The current job market, on average, starts college graduates off with a higher salary than four
years ago according to the NACE, but that doesn't take into consideration two other important factors: the current economy and the relative scarcity of jobs.
The salaries may be higher, but do they keep up with inflation and the increasing cost that it takes to get the education? That may or may not be the case, depending on the chosen major. In the early 21st century, the United States economy was in a recession, but indicators show circumstances are more favorable now.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia surveyed professional economic forecasters about the gross domestic product and determined "that estimate stands at 4.6 percent in this survey, revised up from the previous estimate of 4.3 percent." The long-term forecasts also said that the GDP is due to increase. The economy is on the upward swing, but inflation is increasing at the rate of 1.6 percent for 2004, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, whereas it was up to 2.1 percent in previous years. With the GDP and inflation
improving, other aspects of the job market may not be as auspicious.
Sure, if you find a job, you're doing well, but how hard is it to secure a job—especially in your field of study? It may not be as easy as you thought. Yes, the salaries have increased, but if a job is nowhere to be found, the salary is zero. While the economy is on upward swing, the job market isn't looking as promising. The same economic forecasters predicting the GDP and inflation said that jobs are growing fewer and farther between.
Employment was said to increase at a 1 percent rate three months ago, but forecasters have changed it to 0.8 percent.
it to 0.8 percent.
The mixed signs coming from different aspects of the economy leave the total state of the job market up in the air. While the GDP and inflation are looking up, the actual number of jobs is decreasing. Look at it this way: When you are applying, you compete with applicants for a better job than four years ago.
— Edited by Collin LaJoie
BECKS: Questioned University's Western Civilization curriculum
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12B
of Black Folk" by W.E.B. DuBois I was ready for discussion, but the class was canceled ... Lately, I have not had much to write about. Nothing is going on. OK, school work is getting intense ... I've been thinking of double-majoring lately. I'm not so sure anymore, though. I might minor in finance. I love to talk about
money, supply, demand, micro economics, all that ... Lately I've been thinking of going into law after graduate, but lawyers are in such low esteem in this country. Maybe I'll go into corporate law. That way, no one's life is in my hands - just their wallet ...
I enjoyed Western Civ II discussion today. Today we discussed Night, but we carried the discussion to what defines race.
We talked about U.S. involvement, or lack thereof. We asked the questions I've been asking. Why Bosnia? Why not Rwanda or Congo?
MAY 2004
Update: Wesley Becks graduated from the University of Kansas in the summer of 2003 with a bachelors degree in political science. He is working for the
Peace Corps in Uzbekistan. He teaches English at a school in Samarkand.
Q: What have you been doing since you graduated?
A: I worked until January and then I came to Uzbekistan. I have been learning Uzbek and Russian since January.
Q: Your goals for KU were "To
A: I had fun, a lot, and had a road trip to South Padre Island. I took the Greyhound bus there. It was a 28-hour ride. I promised myself that I would never again take a bus anywhere.
have as much fun and take as many road trips as possible; write an article for the UDK." How did those go?
topped graduation
Q: What were your biggest accomplishments at KU?
Q: What did you learn in your time at KU?
A: That college is a great place, but I had to eventually go and strike out in the world. I choose the whole world to try to make a mark, and I think I will succeed.
Edited by Guillaume Doano
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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2004!
KU to go
Our graduation gift to you...a free Alumni Association membership!
You'll receive a six-month complimentary membership in the Kansas Alumni Association from June to November 2004 which includes:
- E-mail forwarding. Go to our Web site for all the details. Your @ku.edu address can become @kualunni.org address, messages will be forwarded to any e-mail address you specify. E-mail forwarding will be available to the Class of 2004 after June 1, 2004.
- Three issues of Kansas Alumni magazine. Stay up to date with what's happening on campus and what your classmates are doing.
- Attendions to alumni chapter events, professional society events with your school, and access to chapters.
800-584-2957
www.kualumni.org
- Guide to Jayhawk Basketball. Our hoops guide will ensure you'll never miss a KU game, watch party, or place to hang out with other Jayhawks wherever you are!
- Color calendar. Our 2005 calendar with wonderful campus scenes will keep Mount Oread as close as your home or office wall.
Crimson and Blue send-off parties for Class of 2004
Grad Grill
Wednesday, May 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Adams Alumni Center
Join us for your first official alumni event at the Adams Alumni Center sponsored by the Student Alumni Association. Don't miss out on all the great door prizes, free food and drinks. (Catered by the Hereford House. Vegetarian option available.) This is your chance to pick up lots of information about alumni activities and services. Campus offices will be on hand to share information about
their services to you...a proud KU graduate! Get a free KU gift when you complete an application for the INTRUST Jayhawk bankcard. Please RSVP to saa@ku.edu by May 10.
Commencement Lunch Sunday, May 23, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Outlook, Chancellor's Residence
Before the big walk down the Hill, graduates and their guests can celebrate at the Chancellor's residence. Chancellor Robert and Leah Hemenway will provide free box lunches for all who request tickets for the luncheon. The Kansas Alumni Association will welcome you into alumni status and the Senior Class officers will announce the class gift and banner. Pick up your requested tickets at the Alumni Association's headquarters on the third floor of the Adams Alumni Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, May 3 - 19. A reservation card is in your Commencement packet; go to the Registrar's office if you did not receive this mailing.
Questions? Call your Alumni Association at 864-4760, e-mail kualumni@kualumni.org or go to www.kualumni.org