The economy might be slowing down, but starting salary offers are higher than they were a year ago for graduates in many fields, particularly engineering, according to the Winter 2001 Salary Survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Computer engineering graduates are averaging $53,443 a year, a 14.3 percent increase over last year, and civil engineering graduates are earning $39,852 on average, a 9.2 percent hike.
A 6.6 percent jump pushed electrical engineering to $50,850, with offers for hardware design positions starting at $55,000 or more. Mechanical engineering graduates went up 5.8 percent to $48,340.
Economics and finance graduates saw a 5.7 percent increase to $40,297 for their first job out of school. Those being pursued by investment banking firms can earn significantly more–$49,741.
Accounting and business administration graduates saw modest increases. Accounting grads earned $38,739, a 3.8 percent increase; and business administration grads $36,314, up by 1.3 percent.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
HOTEL SEEKS HELP IN A HURRY
The ultra-luxurious Peninsula Chicago Hotel, slated to open in June along the Magnificent Mile, has roughly 400 hourly and line employee jobs available. And the Peninsula’s human-resources professionals hope to fill them during a three-day general hire event to be held next month.
Available positions include front service, concierge, doorman, bellman, restaurant managers, wait staff, bartenders, hosts, cooks, operating engineers, accountants, auditors, housekeeping and staff for the hotel’s 14,000-square-foot spa, including nail technicians, massage therapists, lifeguards, personal trainers and “aestheticians.”
Resumes are welcome but are not necessary for non-managerial positions. Applicants need only show up on March 8 or 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or on March 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Loyola University Chicago, 25 E. Pearson St.
Some of the Peninsula’s doormen already will be on duty greeting job applicants as they come in.
MAKING PLANS
THE 411 ON YOUR 401K
So you’re enrolled in your company’s 401K plan. How much do you know about it?
If your answer is nothing or very little, then you probably are failing to maximize your investment potential. You’re not alone.
According to a survey by Mutual of Omaha, nearly one-half of respondents couldn’t name one company that provides investment options for their 401K plan. Seventy-five percent said they spend less than 10 hours a year reviewing returns and studying options.
Now that you know, what are you going to do about it?
LAYOFF LIFELINE
FIND OUT ABOUT NEARBY OPENINGS
Recently laid-off workers now have access to information about jobs and job training and other career resources by calling a toll-free number, 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627).
By providing the operator with area and zip codes, dislocated workers can find the closest One Stop Career Center in their area and other resources in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The toll-free number was established by America’s Workforce Network, a comprehensive system for employment and training assistance developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor.
———-
T. Shawn Taylor, staylor@tribune.com
