Seniors graduating in 1997 may get an early graduation present - a job.
According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers plan to hire 17 percent more new college graduates this year than they did last year.
The computer and technology sector, where employers will be forced to compete for a diminishing number of new graduates, will be offering the most jobs and significant salary increases. New grads will also find jobs among computer and business equipment manufacturers - hiring is up almost 66 percent from last year.
Starting salaries are expected to increase an average of 3.7 percent for those with a bachelor's degree, the study found.
"We have seen a definite increase in employers contacting the University this year," said Jennifer Niggemeier, assistant director for employer development in the Office of Career Planning and Placement. "Recruiters that had abandoned interviewing on campus years ago came back this year, as well as a record number of new employers."
Seniors are reaping the benefits of a healthy economy, she said.
"Basically, the economy is opening back up, more so than in past years," Niggemeier said.
Niggemeier was quick to emphasize that students shouldn't let this positive outlook affect their job search. Students should still start looking for a job as early as possible and know that studies don't always translate into job offers.
Some have already encountered that hurdle.
"I guess I'm not convinced by statistics or surveys," said Nadine Chen, an Engineering senior planning to graduate in May.
"It only matters that I find a job."
Alexa Nerdrum, a University alum and now an analyst at Watson Wyatt Consulting, said grads have the economy to thank.
"It's definitely good to be a grad right now," Nerdrum said. "Companies are recruiting full-force."
Nerdrum added that last year was the first that her company had hired more than a handful of grads.
"Up until 1995, we were virtually hiring no college grads, maybe one or two at entry level positions," Nerdrum said. "Last year we hired between six to 10 new grads. We expect to follow the same pattern this year."
Some say the trend has hit the University, but others are still skeptical.
"I have friends who are finding the job search easy, while others are finding it difficult," said LSA senior Lisa Starowitz. "It seems that people in the Business School are having the most luck."
At this point, many seniors who are intending on graduating in December or May have not found jobs yet.
"Honestly, I'm still not really sure what I want to do," Starowitz said. "As a French major, I feel that my opportunities are kind of limited. It's a little overwhelming."
Though Starowitz is planning to graduate in December, she has not found a job yet.
"I'm finding the job search a little frustrating," Chen said. "Though I have received one offer, I'm still going through the interviewing process."