College Students Confident They Will Reach Career Goals Quickly - Brief Article

HR Magazine, April, 2001 by Bill Leonard

Most college students believe they can reach all their career goals within 10 years of graduating, a recent survey conducted by Jobtrak.com revealed. More than 80 percent of the survey respondents said that it would take them 10 years or less to reach their career goals. Nearly 50 percent of the respondents said they would achieve their goals in five years or less.

"The results of this poll reinforce the rather short-term career-planning horizon that most college graduates use as they start their professional careers," says Jim Case, director, career planning and placement center at California State University, Fullerton. "They expect quick and immediate success, promotions and salary increases and use these high expectations as they evaluate potential employers and opportunities. It further turns the heat up under employers to make sure they communicate both the short-term, as well as the long-term growth potential of entry-level positions. "

More information on the study is available online at www.jobtrak.com.

Bill Leonard is senior writer for HR Magazine.