MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2006--The class of 2006
will soon graduate and join an entry-level job market that continues
to strengthen, according to MonsterTRAK's annual nationwide survey of
employers, college students and recent graduates. Findings reveal that
72 percent of employers plan to hire 2006 graduates in the spring or
summer, compared to 64 percent last year. Additionally, 37 percent of
companies expect to recruit more entry-level candidates than in 2005.
Despite a growing job market, however, a surprising 67 percent of
employers indicated 2006 entry-level earnings would not increase over
2005 wages. MonsterTRAK is the student division of Monster(R), the
leading global online careers property and flagship brand of Monster
Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST).
"This year's MonsterTRAK survey suggests that the market is at an
advantageous tipping point for entry-level workers, with more
opportunities creating more competition amongst employers to attract
and retain top talent," said Julie Goldthwait, Vice President and
General Manager, MonsterTRAK. "The strong supply of entry-level
positions is also reflective of demographic shifts in America's
workforce, as 55 percent of companies surveyed indicate they expect to
recruit Generation Y employees in the near future to help fill
vacancies left by transitioning Baby Boomers."
The confident class of 2006 appears to hear opportunity knocking -
82 percent expect to receive at least one job offer when they graduate
while 64 percent expect two or more offers. Seventy-eight percent note
that their undergraduate experience has prepared them for the working
world.
Where are the Entry-Level Jobs?
An analysis of job postings currently on Monster revealed
entry-level opportunities are most abundant in California, followed by
Texas, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. At the
market-specific level, New York City and Los Angeles feature the most
available jobs, with Philadelphia, Houston, Boston-Manchester and
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale close behind.
Additionally, 15 percent of entry-level "Internet/eCommerce" jobs
are located in the San Francisco-Oakland/-San Jose area, while 14
percent of "Healthcare - Therapy/Rehab Services" positions can be
found in the Boston-Manchester market.
The sales sector is seeking the most entry-level candidates, while
positions in the administrative and support services, customer service
and call center, retail/wholesale and advertising/marketing/public
relations sectors are also plentiful.
Growing Internship Programs Underscore Strong Demand for
Entry-Level Workers
Internships remain an effective way for students to gain relevant
work experience, as well as get a foot in the door of some the
country's best companies, before graduating. More than half of
employers surveyed offer an internship program - 31 percent report it
is larger in 2006 than 2005. Most students are taking advantage of the
opportunity to gain some professional experience, as 56 percent of
2006 graduates completed one or more internship during their college
career.
"There is no question that attracting and hiring the best
entry-level candidates has become increasingly competitive as the job
market continues to improve," said Amy Van Kirk, National Campus
Recruiting Director for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC. "We are focused on
the importance of introducing students to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC
while they are still in school by encouraging participation in our
extensive internship program, which is currently comprised of about
2,500 people. More than 90 percent of interns who receive a full-time
employment offer accept it; they see first hand our commitment to
training and development, as well as the work/life flexibility we
offer."
Heading Back to the Nest
Roughly half (48 percent) of 2006 graduates are planning to move
home after graduation. Interestingly, 44 percent of last year's
graduates are still living with their parents and, of this group,
slightly less than half say it is due to limited financial resources.
Survey Methodology
MonsterTRAK's 2006 Entry Level Job Outlook was conducted from
February 16 - March 17, 2006 via targeted online distribution to
nationwide MonsterTRAK customer companies, as well as college students
and recent alumni who are MonsterTRAK members. Results were recorded
from more than 820 employers and over 6,000 students. Job posting data
includes active postings located in the United States, active previous
to March 27, 2006 that had not expired.
About Monster Worldwide
Founded in 1967, Monster Worldwide, Inc. is the parent company of
Monster(R), the leading global online careers property. The company
also owns TMP Worldwide, one of the world's largest Recruitment
Advertising agency networks. Headquartered in New York with
approximately 4,600 employees in 25 countries, Monster Worldwide
(NASDAQ: MNST) is a member of the S&P 500 Index and NASDAQ 100. More
information about Monster Worldwide is available at
www.monsterworldwide.com.
Monster is the leading global online careers property. A division
of Monster Worldwide, Monster works for everyone by connecting quality
job seekers at all levels with leading employers across all
industries. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Maynard, Mass.,
Monster has 26 local language and content sites in 24 countries
worldwide. More information is available at www.monster.com or by
calling 1-800-MONSTER. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading
employer products and services, please visit
http://recruiter.monster.com.
About MonsterTRAK
Founded in 1987 as JobTRAK and acquired by Monster(R), the leading
online global careers property, in 2000, MonsterTRAK is a leading
college recruitment solution that successfully connects employers with
college students, recent graduates and career centers. MonsterTRAK
provides a wide range of entry-level, part-time and internship job
listings, along with resources that enable students to develop and
execute their own career management strategies. Recognized for the
last five years by Student Monitor for offering world-class customer
service, MonsterTRAK maintains superior partnerships with more than
3,100 college and university career centers, MBA programs and alumni
associations nationwide. For more information, please visit
www.monstertrak.com.
Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information
contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and
uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide,
Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain
factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's control, may
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the
forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions
in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated
with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks
discussed in Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K and other filings made with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are
incorporated in this release by reference.
CONTACT: Monster
Danielle C. Perry, 978-461-8366
danielle.perry@monster.com
or
Weber Shandwick (for Monster)
Andy Rohr, 617-520-7030
arohr@webershandwick.com
SOURCE: Monster
