The number of prospective employers coming to NIU this semester has increased from last year’s dismal numbers, said a career official.

Last year, because of the recession, the number of employers on campus decreased by 15 percent, while the number of students wanting interviews increased. “Basically, business was not certain. It was a very stressful time for many students,” said Jean Callary, campus recruiting coordinator.

This semester, the news is better. There are approximately 175 to 200 prospective employers registered to recruit on campus this semester, she said.

“We have not seen much change in the economy from last year, but there are a number of firms coming to NIU to recruit nevertheless,” said Gary Scott, director of career planning and placement.

NIU graduates are more fortunate because NIU is in a major market and has not suffered as much as other schools where the market is much tighter, he said. He added that NIU graduates have also established themselves with good reputations and are finding it more reasonable to find jobs.

While business majors are most likely to find jobs after graduation, the retailing market is especially lucrative, Scott said. Students of all majors are able to find employment in the retailing market.

Scott painted a dimmer picture for journalism students. Scott said while the market is difficult enough for journalism graduates, it is virtually impossible to find employment now.

The view for health related majors was mixed. While nursing students were virtually certain to be employed after graduation, other emphases were not.

Scott did express some optimism, however. “There are more requests for interviews,” he said.

Callary said she was optimistic about the number of students signing up for campus recruiting. “We have plenty of sources of information for students that should be a great help in aiding them in their job search,” she said, adding students should also take advantage of the upcoming career fairs.

Even students who typically have difficulty getting interviews, like journalism and education majors, can find useful information about available jobs and career opportunities in the Career Placement and Planning Center, Callary added.

The Career Planning and Placement Center is located in Swen Parson Hall Room 210.

“Students should not wait until the last minute to start their job search,” Callary said.