2008 College Grads Losing Leverage in Hiring

The Find: A projected increase in the hiring of college graduates has been slashed from 16 to eight percent for 2008.
The Source: The National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2008 Spring Update.

The Takeaway: Those nearing graduation with an eye on the financial services industry should look carefully. That sector took the most severe beating in terms of forecasted new hires. But even if you're thinking of going into consulting or manufacturing, don't rest easy. Tom Kozicki, board president of the MBA Career Services Council, tells the Huffington Post that his organization is seeing tighter hiring across all sectors.

Still, it's not all gloom and doom. Kozicki concedes that most grads are still getting at least one offer. They just have less leverage when it come to negotiating compensation. It's still possible to land your dream gig, but newly minted MBAs may have to step up their game: more flexibility, more face-to-face networking, and perhaps even more Facebook (or LinkedIn).

Jessica Stillman

Jessica lives in London where she works as a freelance writer with interests in green business and tech, management, and marketing.

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