Ninety percent of Walker College of Business Class of 2016 graduates have successfully reached their first destination, according to statistics compiled by staff at Appalachian State University's BB&T Student Leadership Center.
First destination statistics report employment rates, salaries and additional information regarding undergraduates six months* post-graduation.
Seventy-seven percent of those that are at their first destination are employed full-time, making an average base salary of $47,131, with 10 percent attending graduate school and the remaining three percent involved in non-career related pursuits. Those not at their first destination are still seeking full-time employment. Individuals who are still seeking full-time employment include those who have accepted part-time employment or a temporary, full-time job.
The survey response rate was 94 percent.
While only six percent of graduates reported securing work in Boone, the majority, 77 percent of the graduates, elected to work full-time in the state in North Carolina. Other states in the Southern Region (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, SC, TN) saw the second highest influx of Appalachian graduates, seven percent.
The accounting services industry had the highest percentage of Walker College of Business graduates entering the field, with 17 percent; the insurance service industry had the highest percentage of graduates last year. Two percent of graduates indicated they work full-time outside of the US.
The financial service industry, which employed 17 percent of the 14-15 graduating class, employs only 12 percent of the 15-16 graduating class.
The survey also provided insight about internships in business fields at Appalachian. Of the 2016 Walker College of Business graduating class, 50 percent held at least one internship during their course of study. Fifty-two percent of those who completed an internship earned academic credit for their on-job experience.
Business Career Services Director Michelle Boisclair said that students majoring in all functional areas of business at Appalachian have opportunities to interact with industry.
"Business Connections, one of several signature Walker College events, provides a day-long forum for business students to learn from, and network with, company representatives on campus."
"Even the lowest of our first destination rates are much higher than the national average," said Boisclair. "According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 82 percent of college graduates in 2015** reached were employed full-time or attending graduate school within six months."
Boisclair attributes the telling figures to a number of factors, including innovative programs like Business Connections, exceptional partnerships with industry and an engaged faculty.
About the Walker College of Business BB&T Student Leadership Center
The BB&T Student Leadership Center delivers professional, leadership and career development opportunities to business majors in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. Inspiring and engaging students to connect their academic experience to the business world, the center helps train and develop future business leaders. The BB&T Student Leadership Center was founded In 2011 in recognition of the BB&T-Appalachian partnership to continue to develop and embrace a culture of leadership.
To learn more about Walker College of Business first destination statistics or programs offered in the BB&T Student Leadership Center, contact Michelle Boisclair, boisclairm@appstate.edu or (828) 262-7579 or visit their site: leadership.business.appstate.edu.
*Survey measures are taken between commencement and six months after graduation, which results in statistics that apply to the previous academic year.
**NACE reporting for 2016 anticipated October 2017.
2015-16 First Destination Rate Data - Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University
