Article on Salaries for 2010 Grads Quotes Steve Langerud

May 13, 2010

May 13, 2010, Greencastle, Ind. — "Many students and adults who go for the money in their first job do so at the risk of a mid-life crisis or worse," Steve Langerud, director of career services at DePauw University, tells MSN.com. Langerud is quoted in a story which examines starting salaries for college graduates across America, which are expected to be slightly lower than last year.

Patience is key, according to Langerud. He says, "[Liberal arts students] speak, write and think effectively and what they need to know professionally comes on the job ... The money follows but not always right away."

New graduates who can't find a job that's a good fit should consider unpaid internships, says Langerud, calling them "one of the most significant and effective investments a recent graduate can make in their future."

The National Association of Colleges and Employers is predicting that 2010 graduates will make an average starting salary of $47,673, down from $48,515 a year ago. Yet jobs in communications are expected to pay more, according to the survey.

Langerud states, "Woody Allen said that 80 percent of success is just showing up. He's right! When you combine showing up with talent you have a magic combination for success in the job market. No matter what the economy is doing."