"Companies are recruiting at a frantic pace," says Kevin Hewerdine, Rose-Hulman Director of Career Services and Employer Relations.

"The need for new employees exceeds last year’s record numbers," he said. Demand is highest for computer science, electrical and computer engineering seniors.

"Last year, it was hard to imagine how the demand for new technical employees could increase, but it has," Hewerdine said. He predicts that the average starting salary offered this year’s seniors will exceed $50,000.

A single day in October on campus illustrates the hot job market. There were more recruiters at the annual Rose-Hulman Career Fair Oct. 14 than there are students in the senior class. A record 475 recruiters representing 198 companies jammed the annual Rose-Hulman Career Fair. Rose-Hulman’s senior class numbers about 300 students.

The number of recruiters at the Career Fair was a 50 percent increase over last year, and 70 percent more than two years ago. A large number of companies remained on campus the day after the Career Fair to interview seniors. Last year, the Career Fair was moved from Moench Hall to the fieldhouse area in the Sports and Recreation Center to accommodate the increased number of recruiters.

The college’s Career Fair received praise from recruiters, who said it was well organized and in an excellent facility. The event is coordinated by a 90-member student committee. "Recruiters are impressed that students are so involved from contacting companies to participate to helping exhibitors with technical setups," says Jan Ford, associate director of career services and employer relations, who serves as adviser to the student committee.

More aggressive, creative recruiting includes bonuses

"Recruiters are aggressive and trying to hire seniors earlier in the academic year," he noted. Companies are using signing bonuses of $5,000 to $8,000 to coax early decisions. The bonus decreases if the student delays in making a decision.

Companies are more creative in their recruiting efforts. One software firm even brought a 10-member employee band that was featured at an information session. Companies are sponsoring design contests with winners receiving scholarships. One contest winner was the guest of the company president for dinner.

Information sessions are increasing as recruiters use the events to meet students in an informal setting. More recruiters are calling students who have been pre-selected to encourage them to sign up on interview schedules and attend information sessions, Hewerdine stated.

Seniors consider job quality, opportunities for career advancement and geographic location as factors that are more important than salary, according to Hewerdine.

"To a lot of seniors, three or four thousand dollars difference in salary will not sway their decision compared to the other factors," he noted.

Geographic location continues to play a big part in a senior’s decision. The Midwest continues to be a popular location. However, more recruiters from outside the Midwest are coming to campus. Hewerdine reports that 65% of last year’s Rose-Hulman graduates who attended Indiana high schools accepted jobs within the state. An analysis of the entire 300-member graduating class, shows that 38% were recruited by companies in the state.

"We’re seeing a few more companies from the East Coast recruiting this year on campus," Hewerdine said. "I believe Rose-Hulman’s number- one ranking in U.S. News & World Report has attracted those companies to campus."

Multiple job offers are increasing, and Hewerdine says some seniors will complete up to 30 job interviews.

"Those students are being selective," he said. "They’re doing the research and other things to make sure they’re making the best decision."

The tendency for earlier job acceptances has resulted in adding pressure to those seniors who have not yet made a job choice. Hewerdine said the career services staff is counseling seniors not to worry because it’s still early in the recruiting season. "The campus is a very close knit community, and it’s easy for seniors to keep informed about the status of each other’s job prospects," he explained. "We’re reminding seniors that recruiters will return to campus in late winter and early spring, so there will be many more job offers yet to come."

New job fair focuses on co-op and internships

The outstanding job market is also providing increased opportunities for students other than seniors. For the first time, Rose-Hulman is conducting a Job Fair Jan. 24, where up to 60 companies will be represented to interview freshmen, sophomores and juniors for co-op and internship opportunities.

"Freshmen often think they’re not employable in a job that relates to their career," says Arleen Anderson, internship/co-op coordinator and assistant director of career services and employer relations. "We’re emphasizing to freshmen that despite their lack of experience, they can find career-related jobs," she said.

"No matter what the job may be, underclassmen can gain valuable experience with the right company. Small opportunities for a new student can turn into bigger opportunities before graduation," she said.

"Last year, 75% of the graduates had completed a co-op or internship. Our goal is 100% participation," she said.