Auburn holds summer graduation

Auburn University awarded 1,195 diplomas at summer commencement ceremonies on Saturday in Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.

Recent economic hardships have made for a tough job market, said Nancy Bernard, from career services at AU. Despite bad economic forecast, she is optimistic.

“I think as far as students are able to get a job, there a lot of opportunities out there,” she said.

Some academic areas will be more competitive than others.

Financial and real estate majors will have a harder time finding a job, she said.

On the other hand, finding jobs in sales, marketing and healthcare should not be as difficult.

Horticulture majors have nearly a 100 percent job placement, she said.

It is important for students to be realistic about jobs prospects and beginning salaries, she said.

A starting salary depends on the major, Bernard said.

“(A) general estimate for a business major 33 to 38 (thousand),” she said.

Accounting majors and the more technical ranges can expect to make around $40,000.

The average is $35,000, she said. Liberal arts majors can expect to make a little less than that.

“I think if they have realistic expectations and do diligent job looking they will be successful,” she said.

Students at Saturday’s graduation, aware of the harsh job market, were either extremely relieved to have jobs, or nervous because they did not.

“I’m fortunate that I have a job,” Kelli Hardesty, a graduate, said. “I can say that.”

Another student, Alyssa Lowry, was still interviewing.

“I am really nervous, it’s really hard right now to find a job,” she said.

Others were contemplating paying off student debt.

Blake Gordon, who just received his bachelor’s degree in industrial design, has an interview on Monday and $30,000 in debt.

“I’ve already set up a payment plan,” he said. He has a rest period before he has to pay on his loans.