Outlook bright for college graduates

POTSDAM — The predictions are holding steady that there will be more jobs available for this year's college graduates, though a recent study also forecasts that more prospective employers will be looking at grade point averages than in years past.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers earlier this month released survey data that said more than three out of four of the respondents would screen applicants using GPA, an all time high, according to the survey.

"I look at that and say to the students you need to be aware of this," Clarkson University's Vice President of Outreach and Student Affairs Kathryn B. Johnson said. "They need to look at all the other factors that employers look at; their job experience, leadership roles on campus, so that they aren't just a GPA."

For the second year in a row, the association, which forecasts hiring trends for recent college graduates, is predicting a modest increase and north country colleges say their job fairs and recruitment efforts are on track.

The job market in the Northeast is expected to grow by nearly 14 percent, or about 6,400 hires. Last year, slightly more than 5,600 graduates found jobs upon graduation.

"We're already feeling that things are picking up," Ms. Johnson said. "The September fair is a time for employers to get the early birds, the January one is an exciting time for employers to recruit interns."

Clarkson sent out invitations to companies for its January job fair about a month ago and is just starting to get responses back, she said.

At SUNY Canton's fall job fair, more than 20 companies sent representatives. Though the number was down when compared to fairs before the recession started, several students said there were more than they had remembered seeing in years past.

Officials from the other north country campuses were unavailable, due to Thanksgiving break.

Though job prospects are still not as robust as they were for the class of 2008, seniors are taking heart and are inspired by the forecasts, according to Ms. Johnson.

"They're very encouraged and very excited," she said after a meeting with the class of 2011 earlier this month. "Several in the room commented on their prospects."