Newcastle graduates ahead of the rest
University of Newcastle bachelor degree graduates continue to earn more than the national average for their first full-time job, according to the latest findings of the Australian Graduate Survey.
The 2010 survey of graduates found that the median starting salary for Newcastle bachelor graduates was $50,000, while the national average for graduates of other Australian universities was $49,000. In 2009, Newcastle graduates earned more than the national average of $48,000.
The top ranking starting salaries for Newcastle graduates were electrical engineering at $61,500; building at $57,500; and medicine, civil engineering and mechanical engineering at $55,000.
Other key findings from the Australian Graduate Survey included:
• Newcastle building graduates earn almost 18 per cent more than those from other Australian universities who are paid an average of $47,300
• Newcastle law graduates earn $53,200, 7.5 per cent more than the national average
• 100 per cent of 2009 electrical engineering graduates found full-time work within four months of completing their qualification. This continues the trend of full employment since 2007 for Newcastle electrical engineering graduates
• 100 per cent of Newcastle geology graduates found full-time employment, compared to the national average of 72.9 per cent.
The Global Financial Crisis is still affecting the confidence of employers according to Graduate Careers Australia who found 76.2 per cent of Australian bachelor graduates found full-time work within four months of graduating in 2010, compared to 79.2 per cent in 2009. This trend was also reflected at the University of Newcastle, with 72.2 per cent of bachelor graduates finding full-time work in 2010 compared to 75.3 per cent in 2009.
University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations), Professor Kevin McConkey, said Newcastle graduates were well prepared for competitive national and international job markets.
“In this economic climate it is encouraging that our graduates are in strong demand by employers and commanding high salaries for their first professional job.”
The Australian Graduate Survey is an annual study of outcomes for graduates who have completed a course of study at an Australian higher education institution conducted by Graduate Careers Australia. For more information visit www.graduatecareers.com.au
For more information and interviews with Professor McConkey contact University of Newcastle Media and PR Officer Leonie Brann on 02 4921 6856 or 0448 898 813.