Students rush past and into the Anderson Student Center on a sunny autumn day on October 7, 2016.

First Destinations Survey Highlights Strong Employment Outcomes for Class of 2019

Nearly 95% of the Class of 2019 reported employment, enrollment in a graduate program, volunteer service or enlistment in the military, according to the Career Development Center's annual First Destinations Survey.

At 94.73%, the number is higher than last year's 93.98% and marks a five-year high, and the rate of graduates reporting having an internship while at St. Thomas increased from 65 to 71%.

"In all ways, the Class of 2019 results from this survey are outstanding," said Jennifer Rogers, associate director of employer relations for University Advancement. "At 95% situated, this class has broken a record. This not only speaks to the health of the job market last year, but reflects the quality of our students, teaching, career education, and alumni support provided."

Respondents’ employment status:

  • Employed full time – 464 (71.82%)
  • Employed part time – 91 (14.08%)
  • Volunteer service – 13 (2.01%)
  • Military service – 8 (1.23%)
  • Not employed, currently seeking – 34 (5.26%)
  • Not employed, not seeking – 36 (5.57%)

More than 54% of respondents reported securing their employment a month or more before graduating in May. The median salary range overall for the Class of 2019 was $45,001-$50,000.

The 71% rate of internships represents a five-year high, topping the previous high of 68.11% by the class of 2016. More than 87% of Opus College of Business students reported having an internship while at St. Thomas, and nearly 82% of School of Engineering students reported having an internship.

"71% is tremendous, and this number correlates to why our students were so successful at landing full time jobs so quickly," Rogers said. "Career staff and faculty have been very vocal about the importance of internship experience and this group clearly listened."

The hiring strength of the Twin Cities business community was on display, as well, with many companies hiring five or more Tommies, including UnitedHealth Group (17), RSM (9), 3M Company (8), Deloitte (8), PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (8), Wells Fargo (8), Target (8), U.S. Bank (7), Ameriprise Financial (6), Abbot Laboratories (5), Ernst & Young (5) and Xcel Energy (5). Many of those same companies provided 10 or more St. Thomas students internships, as well, including 3M Company, UnitedHealth Group, U.S. Bank and Xcel Energy.

"The variety of employers hiring our graduates is impressive and reflects the amazing breadth of choices available here in the Twin Cities region, from accounting and consulting services to banking/finance, health insurance, manufacturing and retail," Rogers said. "Seven out of our top 10 largest employers are on the Fortune 500 list, and we count three of the Big Four public accounting firms among our top 10 employers. We work hard to cultivate and maintain these important employer relationships."

The complete report, which includes detailed employment, median salary and continuing education information may be viewed here.

The Career Development Center offers career services to both students and alumni, and aims to support a successful, fulfilling career and life. Visit the Career Development Center website for more information.