UT Dallas Majors May Offer a Job Market Edge

Job prospects for most UT Dallas graduates aren’t as bleak as reports might lead people to believe, according to Michael Doty, director of the University’s Career Center.

Michael Doty

During a recent presentation to faculty and staff, Doty explained that although the job market in Texas, and even nationally, is the worst it’s been in years, UT Dallas students have an advantage.

“We’re bucking the trend because we offer majors that track to marketable jobs that aren’t currently as affected by the economic downturn,” Doty said. “In fact, at our most recent career expos, we’ve seen packed houses in terms of employers looking to fill entry-level positions — and these are large, well-known companies.”

According to a recent report released by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the top 10 majors for the class of 2009 — all of which are available at UT Dallas — are:

• Accounting.
• Mechanical engineering.
• Electrical engineering.
• Computer science.
• Business administration/management.
• Economics/finance.
• Information sciences and systems.
• Computer engineering.
• Management information systems.
• Marketing/marketing management.

Doty said 84 percent of employers recruiting UT Dallas students are hiring at rates similar to or higher than this time last year. He also pointed out that some of the industries continuing to hire include telecommunications, financial services, education, the federal government, discount retailers, banks and mortgage lending companies.

“Some of the best advice I can offer students looking for a job is to research potential employers, consider internships, network as much as possible and follow up after an interview,” Doty said. “It’s also important to show communication skills, initiative, flexibility and willingness to be a smaller part of a larger team — these are the skill sets employers are seeking.”

The Career Center — a resource available to all current and former UT Dallas students — offers career counseling, career coaching, seminars and document critique services, as well as a newsletter, podcasts and videos. The center is located in the McDermott Library, Room 1.312. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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