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Grads more realistic on pay; some willing to take temp positions

May 30, 2017

Unlike the class of 2016, who expected to earn more than they ended up making, 2017 graduates’ salary expectations are in line with what employers are offering, according to research released by staffing firm LaSalle Network.

The research found 53% of respondents make what they expected; 14% make less and 30% make more than they expected. LaSalle Network believes this is in part due to graduates doing more research on compensation, with Glassdoor the No. 1 resource graduates used when conducting salary research.

The survey also found 48% would take some form of temporary or temporary-to-hire position.

Compensation was the most important factor when evaluating a company to work for, selected by 68% of survey participants, followed by company culture and location at 61% and 48% respectively.

When evaluating a role, however, respondents ranked opportunity for growth as the top factor, selected by 70% of survey participants. Compensation and work-life balance followed at 56% and 50% respectively.

The survey included more than 6,000 upcoming and recent college graduates. Respondents include those who have graduated with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree so far in 2017, and those expected to graduate this May/June 2017. Thirty-five percent of respondents have accepted a position already, and 65% of respondents are still unemployed.