WWU Career Services Center report shows improving job market for graduates

The results of the Western Washington University 2014-15 employment survey indicate continuing improvement in the job market for recent graduates, especially in terms of field-related hiring.

Western bachelor’s degree recipients reported the largest gains. Ninety-one percent reported employment within six months of graduation (up eight percent from 2013-2014) and field-related employment increased to 61 percent.

Average starting salaries remained relatively stable (down 1 percent to $38,732).

Top employers of recent WWU bachelor’s degree graduates include (in order): AmeriCorps, PeaceHealth, Boeing, Starbucks, Bellingham School District, Lake Washington School District, Nordstrom, Mount Vernon School District, PACCAR, and Amazon.

Overall employment for recipients of teaching certificates improved to 99 percent this year, with almost 85 percent employed as teachers within the state of Washington.

The employment rate for WWU master’s degree recipients was 87 percent.

The value of internship experience was again supported by this year’s survey results. Graduates with internship experience again found employment slightly sooner and reported an average starting salary 10 percent higher than students without internship experience.

Graduates continuing their education was up to 11.9 percent, more than the previous year’s result of 11.2 percent, and was highest in Physics/Astronomy, Philosophy, Biology, English, and Geology.

Complete survey results can be found on the Career Services Center’s website for this year and years past can be found online at: http://www.wwu.edu/careers/.

For more information, visit the Career Services Center offices in Old Main 280, or call (360) 650-3240.