The labor market news for the graduating Class of 2000 is very positive! For the third consecutive year, employers expect to expand the hiring of new college graduates. Where are the jobs and in what areas are they? THE BLACK COLLEGIAN has retained the highly-respected accounting and consulting services firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to survey major employers in industry, government, and business to answer these questions. Our annual survey provides current information that allows graduates of the Class of 2000 to focus their searches on employers actively hiring. Students entering the job market are encouraged to use THE BLACK COLLEGIAN- Deloitte & Touche LLP annual survey to spot trends in employment that may affect their job search.

Confidence in the economy with strong financial markets and solid stock market performance is high. Employers are forecasting approximately a 10 to 15 percent increase in the number of job opportunities for the Class of 2000. Graduates with technical degrees, computer science and engineering will lead the way. However, all graduates who are academically well prepared, computer literate, and are ready to start fast will find ample opportunities this year. The food and lodging, retail, professional services, and financial and insurance services sectors will lead the way. After several years of slow hiring, the manufacturing sector has higher hiring targets from last year. All regions of the country are showing robust labor markets, particularly in the Southeast and the Northcentral states. The Pacific Northwest, while rated very good, has some concerns related to agriculture and manufacturing. Starting salaries are expected to grow about 3 to 4 percent above last year’s levels though differences appear depending upon one’s academic major. For a graduate to be considered for these opportunities, the candidate will need to demonstrate a "total package" of skills and competencies with particular attention given to presentation and public speaking, initiative, computer literacy, and interpersonal abilities.

THE BLACK COLLEGIAN and Deloitte & Touche LLP have completed an ample amount of work for you with the publication of this survey. Review our survey to target job search, and use this issue, THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Online, www.black-collegian.com and IMDIVERSITY, www.imdiversity.com to reach companies interested in your skills. It is now up to you to notify employers that you are ready to claim the jobs that, according to THE BLACK COLLEGIAN-Deloitte & Touche LLP survey, await you. Write us with information about your success.

Good luck!

*Deloitte & Touche LLP is proud to be a sponsor of THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Top 100 Employers Survey. As a result of our sponsorship, we have decided not to include our projected hiring numbers for 2000.