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EMPLOYMENT BRIEFS: Enrollments up, doc; Still working after all these years; Jobs in flux for 2009 grads; Temporary standouts

Source: Tribune Media Services

Enrollments up, doc

U.S. medical schools continue to expand their enrollment to meet the country’s increasing demand for physicians, according to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges. First-year enrollment at the nation’s medical schools this year increased nearly 2 percent over 2007, to more than 18,000 students — the highest enrollment in history. “In a time of great economic uncertainty, interest in the healing profession of medicine remains stable,” said the association’s President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch. “As medical schools expand to meet the nation’s demand for more doctors, there will be even more opportunities for the most qualified and well-rounded aspiring doctors to pursue rewarding careers in medicine.”

Jobs in flux for 2009 grads

Employers say they will hire about as many new college graduates from the Class of 2009 as they did from the Class of 2008 but plan to keep a watchful eye on those hiring needs so they can shift gears if necessary, according to a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The largest group (26 percent) said they would reassess their college graduate hiring needs on a monthly basis. In addition, although 44 percent of responding employers characterized the job market as “good,” more than one-quarter labeled it as just “fair.” In such an environment, students should use all the resources available to them to conduct a successful job search, starting with the campus career center.

Temporary standouts

Taking a temporary job can help fill an employment gap, especially during a tough economy and job market. The research firm Staffing Industry Analysts released its new list of the fastest-growing temporary job markets, and although the report shows an overall drop in temp employment of 3.5 percent for the twelve months ending in October 2008, it also suggests some bright spots. Three metro areas were among the standouts: St. Louis, which grew its temporary staffing by 2.8 percent; Baltimore, with 3.7 percent growth; and San Antonio, with 1.7 percent. Other areas that saw increases in temporary employment include: Virginia Beach, Va.; Houston; Santa Rosa, Calif.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Boston; Dallas; and Camden, N.J.

Still working after all these years

Nearly 70 percent of workers 55 and older plan to work into what they view as their retirement years, according to an AARP survey. A need for money was the most common reason cited, at 27 percent, followed by “enjoyment of working” at 21 percent. Another 11 percent cited reasons related to future financial security such as “to save for retirement.” “Forward-thinking companies that want to address the looming ‘brain drain’ by tapping the pool of experienced workers need to offer creative programs and policies to appeal to that group,” says Deborah Russell, AARP’s director of workplace issues.

© 2009, Tribune Media Services