October 5, 2004

More Purdue agriculture graduates find jobs, most in state

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - More of Purdue University's spring agriculture graduates found jobs this summer, and most in Indiana, according to figures released today (Tuesday, Oct. 5).

Ninety-one percent of the agriculture graduates are either employed or continuing their education. The number of those students working is up to 73 percent. In 2003, 69 percent of May agriculture grads had a job by Oct. 1.

Eighteen percent of 2004 graduates are continuing their education, with 8 percent still seeking employment. One percent reported they are not seeking a job or furthering their education.

"We are marginally stronger in employment, and I think that is indicative of the economy," said Allan Goecker, associate director of academic programs in agriculture.

Seventy-three percent of the graduates are working or continuing their education in Indiana. Indiana residents made up 88 percent of the graduating class.

"We try to serve Indiana citizens, and typically our graduates tend to stay here," Goecker said.

The average starting salary for all agriculture graduates was $32,724. The highest paid jobs were in agricultural and food engineering, with an average salary of $46,733.

For the report, 98 percent of the 344 May undergraduate degree recipients provided information on their post-graduation activities.

The types of jobs those graduates are landing mirrors the diversity of the School of Agriculture, Goecker said.

"More and more of our graduates accept positions in value-added and service areas, and fewer in the input and production sector," he said. "The shift in jobs is related to our enrollment. We have a growing number of students in programs such as horticulture, forestry and natural resources, and food science. And those programs produce graduates who find jobs in a market dominated by value-added positions."

Participation in this year's agriculture career fair also increased. Registration for today's event was at 101 organizations, up from the 93 that participated last fall.

"Employers are more targeted in the number of schools from where they will recruit students," said Dale Whittaker, associate dean and director of academic programs. "The fact that they are coming to Purdue is a tribute to our students and the quality of their education."

Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722; forbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Allan Goecker, (765) 494-8473; goecker@purdue.edu

Dale Whittaker, (7650 494-8472; dwhittak@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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