Recent Grads Overcome Job Uncertainty

Ninety-two percent of Westmont graduates from the class of 2020 have found a job or are attending graduate school (or planning to attend) despite a national economy sickened by the coronavirus.

“What an encouraging achievement for recent graduates in the midst of a pandemic,” says Paul Bradford, director of Westmont’s Career Opportunities and Vocational Exploration (COVE) Center and adjunct professor of economics and business. Last year, 97 percent of the class of 2019 were employed or enrolled in graduate school—or hoping to be enrolled. “2020 has been uncharted waters for everyone, especially students graduating into an ailing economy. This class has demonstrated their resilience and tenacity. Given the exponential level of uncertainty back in March, I expected to see employment rates 20-25 percent below average.”

“Our students rallied, responded and took action,” he says. “Also, the team at the COVE Career Center did everything from coordinating employment on campus to managing student career ambassadors, to creating podcasts and new partnerships with alumni and faculty. Our team has stepped up once again.”