University of Newcastle graduates ahead of the game

Thursday 1 March 2007

Graduates from the University of Newcastle are attracting higher than average starting salaries and are more likely to gain full-time employment within four months of completing their degrees.

Latest data from the Australian Graduate Survey showed that the median annual starting salary for bachelor degree graduates from the University of Newcastle in their first full-time employment and aged under 25 was $42,000. The comparable national median starting salary for graduates was $40,800.

University of Newcastle bachelor degree graduates who were available for full-time employment and aged under 25 are also making a quick transition into the workforce. Eighty two per cent of these graduates were in full-time employment within four months of completing their degrees, higher than the national average.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nicholas Saunders, said the standard of the University was based on the quality of its graduates.

"The University of Newcastle provides students with life and work skills, as well as cutting-edge knowledge," he said.

"The latest data from the Australian Graduate Survey demonstrates the University's programs are hitting the mark with relevant, contemporary content. The University is producing work-ready graduates who have practical knowledge in their chosen field and the market-place is acknowledging this."

The survey also showed that 100 per cent of these graduates in the fields of building, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and mathematics were in full-time employment within four months of completing their studies.

"There is a massive skills shortage in these areas, particularly engineering, and the University provides programs in many areas that are experiencing skill shortages," Professor Saunders said.

"We are producing much-needed graduates who can hit the ground running in these fields."