The Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System (NSWERS) has released a new report that sheds light on the critical factors impacting how quickly Nebraska’s public college students secure stable employment after graduation. This data brief explores the importance of securing stable employment within six months of leaving college, aligning with the federal student loan grace period – a crucial time when students begin repaying loans and making their initial career steps.
“This report underscores the power of college graduation, relevant work experience, and targeted fields of study in shaping successful transitions from college to career,” said Dr. Matthew Hastings, Executive Director of NSWERS. “By focusing on degree completion and work-integrated learning opportunities, Nebraska can enhance economic stability for its workforce and provide clear pathways for recent graduates.”
Key findings in the data brief include:
Earnings Growth: Graduates who secure employment promptly after college see a stronger trajectory in earnings, contributing to long-term financial stability.
College Graduation: Completing a degree significantly boosts a graduate’s chances of securing timely employment, underlining the value of degree attainment in today’s job market.
Work Experience: Relevant work experience during college, including internships and part-time jobs, markedly improves timely employment prospects.
College Major: Field of study plays a crucial role in employment outcomes, with majors such as Information Technology and Health Sciences boasting higher rates of timely employment, showing how targeted career preparation can impact graduates’ job readiness.
This brief serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, education leaders, parents, and students alike, shedding light on the factors that contribute to a successful transition from college to career.
For further insights from the report, please visit: https://insights.nswers.org/briefs/nswers-timely-employment-brief-2024.pdf.
NSWERS briefs are research summaries of factors influencing education or workforce outcomes, in this case, the impact of college major, college graduation, and prior work experience on timely employment.