Graduating College in Spring ’09? Congratulations: If You’re a Chemical Engineer

At around 1.5 million, the U.S. class of 2009 is the largest ever. Which, thanks to the gloomy economic picture, means there will be more people competing for fewer jobs.

But the bad news doesn’t end there. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)’s latest Salary Survey, for any 2009 college graduate lucky enough to land a job, the starting salary may be a bit disappointing. NACE found that the overall average offer to a 2009 bachelor’s degree grad is now $48,515—down 2.2% from $49,624 last spring.

Some disciplines fare better than others: Engineers showed the most promise, averaging a 2.3% increase in their overall average offer, which now stands at $58,438. Chemical engineers are especially favored—their average offer rose 2.8% to $65,403.

Sorry, computer science majors. It seems there were fewer offers for software design and development positions in Spring ’09 than in Spring ’08, and your average offer has fallen 11% from last spring’s average of $65,379 to the current average of $58,837.

Business graduates are holding their own; as a group, their average offer rose 1% to $46,973, says NACE. And although NACE says its data on liberal arts graduates is limited at this time because those grads tend to get job offers later in the year, their offering salaries are relatively flat, with an average offer of $36,807.

NACE will release its next report for the college Class of 2009 in July. In the meantime, you may want to take some chem classes.

Six Simple Ways to Give Your Student a College Admissions “Edge”

This year’s high school graduating class is the largest in U.S. history. That means winning a coveted slot at the college of one’s choice is now more competitive than ever.

If you’re the parent of a high school sophomore, junior, or senior, you’re no doubt doing all the right things to help your student succeed: SAT/ACT prep? Check. Math, Spanish, or Physics tutor? Check. AP classes? You bet. Then there’s the community service, after school activities, part-time job, etc.

So what additional steps can you and your student take to give him or her that all important college admissions edge? Plenty. My recent article on Associated Content provides some simple ways to start: (click here)

You Don't Say!

Today’s topic is business etiquette, specifically, conversational skills. While the notion of etiquette may seem quaint and old fashioned, I assure you, etiquette, which is nothing more than acting and presenting yourself correctly, never goes out of style.

To discuss this important topic, let’s turn to my friend Lydia Ramsay, a Savannah, Georgia-based business protocol expert and the author of the newly revised Manners that Sell (Pelican Publishing). In her chapter on “The Art of Conversation,” Lydia defines a good conversationalist as “someone who knows when to talk and what to talk about.” More than that, says Lydia, a good conversationalist encourages the other person to talk.

In Manners that Sell Lydia lists the following “mouth traps”—surefire ways to kill a conversation and ruin a business relationship:

1. Doing all the talking. The fact that you love the sound of your own voice doesn’t mean that everyone else does. Pay attention to how much you are saying as well as what you are saying. The person who dominates all conversation is usually the person to avoid.

2. Offering unsolicited advice. Frequently in conversation, people talk about their difficult issues or problems. Listen carefully. Unless the other person says, “What do you think?” or “What would you do?” resist the urge to counsel. Sometimes people just need to say what bothers them without having your expert advice on how to fix the problem.

3. Trying to impress. No one wants to hear how much money you made last year or how many professional awards you’ve earned. If you are that wonderful and successful, they will know; but they don’t need to hear it from you.

4. Going one better. You encounter a business associate who tells you a wild story about his latest travels. You can’t wait until he stops talking so you can tell your story. And your story beats his. How deflating is that to the other person? It’s the old “one-upsmanship” and it’s rude.

5. Impersonating a CIA agent. Asking questions is the best way to keep someone talking. The trick is to do it subtly. Firing one inquiry after another can be intimidating, especially if one unrelated question follows another. This is a clear sign that you aren’t listening or don’t care about what the other person is saying.

6. Not playing the game. Some people just refuse to engage, no matter what you ask, say, or do. These people kill conversations by responding to every question or comment with a “yes,” “no” or “maybe.” Everyone has a responsibility to play the game and talk to others if they want to succeed at any level.

To learn more about the fabulously proper Lydia Ramsey, visit her Website, www.mannersthatsell.com

Networking is Not a Four-Letter Word

Students, today’s topic is networking. When you read that word, how do you react? Does it have a negative connotation for you? If you answered, “yes,” I have three words of advice for you: GET OVER IT!

What is networking? It definitely isn't “working” the room at an event, handing out and pocketing as many business cards as possible. Nor is it about asking favors of everyone you know.

If you want to understand the true meaning and value of networking, look to my friend Andrea Nierenberg, who is known (for good reason!) as the “queen of networking.” In her third and most recent book on the subject, “Savvy Networking,” Andrea offers this excellent advice: “Start right now by thinking of someone to whom you can reach out and help—with a business lead or reference, or a simple kindness or a compliment. Make sure that whenever you receive anything—no matter how small—you immediately reach back and thank the other person by note, call, e-mail, or gift and maybe a combination of them.”

If you look at networking the way Andrea does, you’ll understand why she says, “It’s not who you know—it’s who you thank.” Here’s another great quote from “Savvy Networking:” “When we express our appreciation to clients, co-workers, and employees, their attitudes are positively affected, and positive attitudes impact business success.”

In this, its purest form, networking equals caring about and doing for others. Once you actively embrace these ideals, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll receive in return through the rich, meaningful relationships you foster.

So, put yourself out there. Talk to people on the train, at the deli, in the elevator. I guarantee it will enrich your life. But remember, a good networker is a good listener. Take a tip from the sage Greek philosopher Epicetus, who wrote: “Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could listen twice as much as we speak.”

Don't Lose Face on Facebook!

As a Facebook newbie I think the social networking site is both fun and worthwhile, since it provides valuable professional and personal networking opportunities for people of all ages. But all too often, young people—college students and twenty-somethings just entering the workplace—post photos and use language on their sites that is just plain inappropriate. They should especially use discretion if they are applying to colleges and graduate schools or looking for internships and jobs.

I addressed this topic in my recent article Old People Need “Friends,” Too: Using Social Networking Sites for Business. But I just came across a really terrific piece by John Hechinger in the Sept. 18 Wall Street Journal, College Applicants, Beware: Your Facebook Page Is Showing, that is a must-read for everyone who uses Facebook or other social networking sites.

Hechinger writes that according to a new survey of 500 top colleges, 10% of admissions officers acknowledged looking at social-networking sites to evaluate applicants. Of those colleges making use of the online information, 38% said that what they saw "negatively affected" their views of the applicant.

So, think before you post. Do you really want that admissions or HR director viewing a profile picture that shows you wearing a string bikini and holding a bottle of Stoli?