An increase in employers recruiting through NIU Career Planning and Placement has not only increased the number of job possibilities available to students, but also the variety of jobs available.

Campus Recruiting Coordinator Jean Callary said although accounting and computer science majors top the list of recruiters, the demand for students from other majors is increasing.

Callary said recruitment is booming for engineering graduates, with several new employers scheduling interviews. Although the College of Engineering is relatively new to NIU, Callary said she sees an enormous growth potential for its recruitment program.

Computer science also is experiencing incredible growth, she said, adding employers place a great deal of importance on computer literacy, even if the job seeker is not a computer science major.

Callary described the increase in the demand for liberal arts and sciences majors as very steady, but not dramatic. “Many employers specify business majors as a way of narrowing down the number of applications, even though the position is equally relevant to a LA&S major. We are trying to encourage more of these companies to look at a broader range of majors,” she said.

“Although it’s true that a business degree might help you get your foot in the door, once you get into the company, your major virtually disappears,” said Craig Marr, personnel director of Enterprise Leasing, a Chicago-based firm.

Pete McManus, credit manager and recruiter for Sears Roebuck, said he does not specify majors when recruiting because it narrows down the diversity of students he interviews. “I like to recruit the best students from a variety of disciplines,” he said, adding “the important thing is that the student can think through situations and can work well with people,” McManus said.

Callary said LA&S majors often are sought for their good research and communication skills, which can often lead into sales positions. Although students tend to lean away from the field of sales, Callary said this often is the best way to work your way up in a company’s ladder.

Lora Shoen, a NIU communications major, said she wishes there were a greater variety of jobs of available through Career Planning and Placement. She added the office has not offered her the opportunities in public relations and advertising she seeks, but she remains optimistic and plans to continue interviewing through Career Planning and Placement.

Callary said, “It’s a vicious circle in that we need to attract students who can fill positions before we can build a reputation and expand our employer list.”

Friday: Services offered through Career Planning and Placement and how students can use them.