Chancellor James C. Schmidt | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Chancellor James C. Schmidt | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has released its latest First Destination Report, providing employment and continuing education data for 2,083 graduates from the last academic cycle. The report is a resource for students and families evaluating college options, highlighting the value of a UW-Eau Claire degree.
Billy Felz, vice chancellor for enrollment management, emphasized the benefits of a Blugold degree. "Each year, the First Destination Report reiterates that a Blugold degree remains an incredible investment, and the return on investment is amazing," Felz stated. He added that graduates are securing positions aligned with their career goals due to their acquired knowledge and skills.
The survey conducted by UW-Eau Claire’s Career Services office shows promising outcomes:
- 99% of respondents are either employed or pursuing further education six months post-graduation.
- 97% of employed undergraduates reported working in positions related to their career aspirations.
- 93% felt prepared for their next career step.
- 70% completed internships during their undergraduate studies, with 38% receiving job offers from those experiences.
Data collection methods included precommencement online surveys and follow-up communications. LinkedIn searches were also used to gather information from nonrespondents. Faculty and staff contributed additional data; however, international students were not part of this report.
Staci Heidtke, director of Career Services, highlighted the importance of this survey data. “These key data sets demonstrate the overall value of higher education, with student outcomes shown to impact our state and regional economy in strongly positive ways,” she said. The information aids in marketing efforts and helps shape new academic programs based on market needs.
Job placement trends indicate that accounting, healthcare, K-12 education, and manufacturing are top hiring industries for recent graduates. For those pursuing further studies, popular fields include communication sciences and disorders, psychology, rehabilitation science, exercise science, and biology.
A notable trend is an increase in graduates remaining in-state after completing their degrees: 61% are employed in Wisconsin—27% within the Chippewa Valley region—and 34% elsewhere across the state.
The complete First Destination Report for 2023-24 is available on the Career Services website along with previous reports.
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