Illustration of student and employer shaking hands

Spiders enter job market with strong demand for college talent

January 18, 2022

University News

Recent Spider graduates are entering an improving job market, a distinct change since the pandemic initially led to uncertainty for students aiming to land internships and job offers. The employment outlook is the best since 2008, according to the Collegiate Employment Research Institute. 

Meanwhile, employers are also dealing with an uptick in resignations, due to retirements and career changes by professionals. UR Career Services experts recently weighed in on the opportunities this creates — as well as some challenges — and how students as well as alumni can best position themselves to take advantage.

Denise Dwight Smith, assistant vice president for alumni and career services, said students were facing hiring freezes and rising unemployment rates last year, but the new hiring climate has altered the way the office prepares students entering the workforce. 

“We worked with students on how to be creative when finding opportunities, how to interview virtually, and more,” Dwight Smith said of last year. “Now our focus has shifted to making them stand out through preparation and opportunities to network.”

Richmond’s career advisers said while opportunities have grown, it can still take time to close the deal on a new job, for both recent grads and alumni.

“It’s taking as long as — or longer — than searches prior to COVID,” said Leslie Stevenson, director of career development. “We continue to advise students about search strategy, weighing the pros and cons of various offers, and ethical decision-making and notification.”

Job seekers may see an impressive number of new job openings, but the interview process alone is taking more than a month in some cases, said career adviser Beth Chancy.

“Companies are understaffed trying to replace retirees and staff members who have left, so the job seeker may not hear back from the company quickly,” Chancy said.

And though the application process has slowed, employers are eager to get new hires started. Frank Allen, director of employer relations, said hiring managers may offer signing incentives and push for shorter acceptance deadlines, but he recommends proceeding cautiously.

“Even during a normal job market, students should take the time to weigh their options and resist the pressure to make a quick decision,” Allen said. “Make sure to choose the job and organization that is the best fit for you and will provide the best opportunity for career progression. These factors will have a greater impact on long-term success, including earning potential that will far exceed an initial bonus. Also, high demand for workers has prompted some employers to raise starting salaries. If you receive an offer that you feel is below market, be prepared to discuss it in a tactful and appreciative manner, instead of quickly declining it.”

For alumni considering switching jobs, Allen suggests a practical approach amid what’s being called the Great Resignation, making sure a new opportunity lines up with their long-term career goals.

“Don’t forget to consider the costs of starting a new job, including the time and effort it takes to build internal relationships,” he says. “It’s a good practice to regularly take stock of your career and determine steps to improve progression. However, be careful to consider options within your current organization, and make sure to openly discuss your goals with your supervisor.”

Along the same lines, Dwight Smith recommends considering that even in hot job markets, Spiders should proceed with an understanding that pandemic-driven changes are ongoing.   

“The market differentiators by industry have become more complex,” she said. “Some firms are offering fully remote jobs, there is student increased interest in entrepreneurship, and there has been pandemic devastation on part of the service industries. But, in many ways this has become a great opportunity time, too.”