Projected higher starting salaries for Class of 2016

The future of this year’s graduating seniors just got a little bit brighter, because the Class of 2016 is projected to have higher starting salaries after graduating.

Robert Half International, a staffing agency that compiles salary data, said U.S. starting salaries are expected to increase at 4.1 percent, with the tech sector expected to see the highest gains at 5.3 percent.

William Jones, director of operations and strategic initiatives at University Career Services, said Robert Half's predictions definitely relate to Rutgers graduates of most majors.

“Usually we see (salary increases) more across the board," Jones said. "In certain sectors you might see more so, depending on what the demand is for that particular industry. It’s not really as major-focused as it is what areas you want to go into.”

Jones noted that Career Services sees higher starting salaries for computer-related occupations such as computer programming or engineering fields, but said major selection should be based more on interest than expected income.

“You should really do that based on your passion, not necessarily what you can make afterwards, because a lot of people value a higher starting salary, but others may value more of a work-life balance,” Jones said.

Jones also mentioned Universum Global, an agency which collects data worldwide on student preferences, and how they compared Rutgers students' responses to those overall.

“Rutgers students actually value work-life balance more so than their ability to make a lot of money,” Jones said. “The salary projection was actually ranked No. 3, where work balance was ranked No. 1.”

In regard to the prospect of higher starting salaries, School of Arts and Sciences senior Mike Andresakes found the news a pleasant surprise.

He said this is the most inspiring news he has heard in a while, but it's still important to focus on school before getting too concerned about income after graduation. 

“There are a lot of factors economists consider when coming up with these employment and salary figures, so a lot can change between now and when I get my first post-grad job,” Andresakes said.

Teja Kulkarni, a School of Arts and Sciences senior, said she feels pretty relieved. 

"I have no doubt that it will still be competitive, but it's a relieving feeling knowing that the salary rate is higher," she said. 

Jones also noted how competition is always a factor when it comes to the job hunt.

“I will always tell a student that you need to keep in mind the competition that is out there,” Jones said. “Even in better economic times there’s always going to be competition, and you’re not competing against just other Rutgers students, you’re competing against all graduates.”

If a student does have a meaningful experience here at school such as an internship, co-op or research to go along with their academic credentials, Jones said, then their chances of finding a job after school are that much higher.

“There’s also a lot of research out there that says the more students that visit their career offices while at school, the higher the rate of full-time employment after school. So while it is competitive, I think students always can look at it in a positive way if they are doing what it is they need to do to compete,” Jones said.

Kulkarni said she is going to keep an open mind in regard to the competition, and make as many connections as possible because networking is a great thing. 

Andresakes also had a positive mindset, adding how the more competition there is, the better the competition gets.

“I think its a good sign that there are simply more students graduating looking for jobs, and I’m prepared to come out ahead of the other college kids fighting for the same job as me,” Andresakes said.

While the competition might get tough, Rutgers has plenty of resources to get the most of out college and noted an increase in employers coming to recruit at Rutgers, Jones said.

Jones said part of the reason for a great turnout at the fair was because the Rutgers campus is attractive to employers, and there are many students they want to hire.

“Last week at our Career and Internship Mega Fair, we had a record number of 306 employers come out at that event, and the vast majority of them were looking to fill non-technical positions,” Jones said.