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Employment Status Survey of 2003-2004 Grads |
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Career Services Center |
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INTRODUCTION
The
Career Services Center of Western Washington University
conducted a survey in early 2005 on the employment status of 2003-2004
bachelor’s and master’s degree recipients, as well as those who received
teacher certification. Graduates
received an initial survey by mail and, if they did not respond, one mail
follow-up. Employment data was
also supplied by the university’s academic departments. As
a result of all these efforts, data was collected on 1406 (50.2%) of the 2,800
students who received bachelor’s degrees, 517 (94%) of the 550students
who received teacher certification, and 323 (81.2%) of the 398 students who
completed master’s degrees in 2003-04. The
sample represents a margin of error of + .02. The survey results are
summarized in this brochure. Questions
regarding this data should be addressed to Tina Loudon, Director, or Marcia
Lewis, Assistant Director for Operations, (360) 650-3240.
HIGHLIGHTS
Employment
The class of 2003-04 fared somewhat better in the job market then grads of the previous year. Overall, the percentage employed increased (78.3% compared to 76.1% the previous year) and there was also a 5.1% increase in the number of grads reporting employment related to their majors. For the most part, salaries held fairly steady with modest gains in some fields and slight decreases in others. Survey results clearly illustrate the value of internship experience. 29% of the grads reporting full-time employment related to their major did one or more internship prior to graduation. This experience led directly to employment for 20% of those who did just one internship and 39% of those who did two. The market for teachers was a bit brighter. The percentage of candidates securing contracted teaching positions increased by 2.05% with a corresponding .86% decrease in the number of teachers substituting. As in the past, demand was strongest for candidates in special ed, math and science. Continuing
Education
As often happens when the economy starts to
improve, there was a decrease in the number of graduates pursuing further
education - - 13.8% compared to 14.8% the previous year. However, WWU grads
continue to be competitive in gaining admission to a wide range of graduate and
professional programs.
Grads from a variety of majors (English, History, Philosophy Political Science, Psychology)
entered law programs at schools including
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