University of Cincinnati Civil Engineers in High Demand

The job hunt is looking good for spring graduates according to a national survey, which suggests college hiring for 2005–06 is expected to rise nearly 14 percent over 2004–05. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) adds that Midwest employers are expected to hire 9.8 percent new college grads over the previous year.

Anthony Dardy, associate director for the University of Cincinnati’s Career Development Center (CDC), says recruitment is a little higher at the CDC than the previous year, adding that recruiters coming to campus are looking to fill jobs in retail, business and engineering. “Some majors that seem to be in demand are civil engineering, accounting, economics/finance, as well as opportunities in management,” Dardy says.

Melissa Grimme is one such lucky major. Melissa graduates this spring with a B.S. in civil engineering — and a full-time job. She already has been hired by Procter & Gamble Fabric and Home Care Engineering in Alexandria, La., to work with environmental permitting for a manufacturing facility. 

“From talking with students in my class, everyone who wants a job has one,” Melissa says. “I know most people had multiple interviews and some multiple job offers.  I believe the real job experience from co-op has helped set us apart from other schools in the job market.”  UC, the founder of cooperative education, requires co-op for all its engineering students. Melissa co-opped in a construction role for Sara Lee Food & Beverage in their supply chain engineering department.

Melissa is the outgoing president for the UC chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Julie Burdick, director of Pre-Admissions and the Rowe Center for Women in the College of Engineering says, “Melissa is a wonderful leader, always offering help, does what she says she will do, and has a ‘wonder air of confidence’ around her. She also leads the Engineering Ambassador group.”

“Our chapter recently participated in the ASCE Ohio Valley Regional Conference,” says Melissa. “For the conference, I was involved with a team that built and raced a concrete canoe.”  [Note: photos available upon request]

Melissa will be marching — along with her employed peers —  in the afternoon commencement exercises at UC. The ceremony starts at 1:45 p.m., with the doors of the Fifth Third Arena in the Shoemaker Center opening at 12:30 p.m.