UMD ranked number one in graduates being hired after graduation in the Twin Ports region

Illustration by: Will Madison

A recent survey conducted by the career and intern services office resulted in the University of Minnesota Duluth being ranked number one in the Twin Ports region for graduate employment rates. In comparison to other colleges and universities in the region, UMD ranks first when it comes to graduates getting hired. University of Wisconsin-Superior received a 70.2 percent post grad employment rate in 2015 and the College of St. Scholastica received an 80 percent rate, compared to UMD at 98 percent.

Two separate surveys were given. One focused on masters and doctorate degrees while the other centered on bachelor degree graduates. The subjects of the survey were 2015 to 2016 graduates and were conducted via internet, email, telephone and social media.

For the masters and doctorates survey, 98 percent of respondents reported that they were employed or are continuing their education. 94 percent of the former students that reported being employed stated that their jobs were related or semi-related to their major.

For the bachelor’s survey, 97 percent reported being employed or continuing their education. 89 percent of the students that reported being employed stated that their jobs were related or semi-related to their major.

Janet Pribyl, Assistant Director and Career Counselor at UMD, believes the economy is picking up and said that’s why more recent students are being hired at a more rapid rate than in past years.

“More students, seniors already have full time professional jobs in their field,” Pribyl said.

Emily Severson graduated in May of 2015, majoring in accounting and financing.

“It was easy to find a job,” Severson said. “I was hired before my senior year. I currently work for a public accounting firm.”

Severson also stated that she loved UMD, saying that it was a “fun environment” to learn in and even offered up some advice for current finance and accounting students.

“Don’t ignore your opportunities,” Severson said.

Jade Golen is a graphic design major who graduated in 2014.

“I was technically hired before graduation,” Golen said. “I interned for Maurices as an apparel CAD designer, designing prints and patterns for clothes. It turned into a full time job after graduation.”

Golen has since moved on from Maurices and currently works as a marketing specialist for UWS.

“It’s like 50 percent graphic design for the admissions office,” Golen said.

Her overall experience at UMD was positive.

“There was lots of opportunity to be involved, [the] class sizes were perfect where I got individual attention from my professors,” Golen said.

Golen said she had plenty of opportunity to be involved and praised the small lecture sizes.

“Class sizes were perfect,” Golen said. “I got individual attention from my professors.”

Golen urges current students to focus on building their portfolio and suggests picking up freelance projects while attending school. She also advises current UMD Bulldogs to get at least one internship under their belt before graduation.

Emily Baker, UMD College of Pharmacy 2017 graduate, said that finding a job after college was relatively easy.

“[My job] is related to my major,” Baker said. “I applied to a few different companies about eight months before graduation and two months later I had two offers.”

Baker is a Bulldogs fan, but often found herself questioning the teaching styles of some of her professors.

“Many seemed focused on their research rather than actual students,” Baker said. “But as a whole, I enjoyed the campus.”     

Baker was involved in many on-campus activities and suggests that students should take advantage of what UMD has to offer. She urges students to attend free movie nights, purchase season hockey tickets, enjoy free events as well as organizations, and take advantage of the schools great exercise classes. Baker also advises not to be afraid to reach out to your professors.

“They truly can give you guidance and set you on the right path,” Baker said. “Know that a bad grade is not the end of the world. All will work out in the end.”