JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 1, 2021 — Ninety-eight percent of 51社区鈥檚 class of 2020 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of receiving their degree, according to an 鈥淯ndergraduate First-Destination Survey鈥� conducted by the Vocatio Center for Life Calling and Career.
The placement rate for Union鈥檚 class of 2019 was also 98 percent. For the classes of 2018 and 2017, placement rates were 95 percent, and in 2016 it was 91 percent. These studies were conducted in compliance with standards of the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Union鈥檚 98 percent placement rate is about 12 points above NACE鈥檚 national placement rate average of 85.7 percent in 2018 (the most recent available data).
鈥淭he year 2020 has been an unusual and difficult year for everyone, but with 98 percent of the class finding placement within six months of graduation, our May 2020 graduates have shown an incredible resilience and persistence as they were sent out into a challenging economy and shifting work force,鈥� said Alex Huguenard, director of the Vocatio Center. 鈥淲hile many institutions were expecting a dip in placement for the class of 2020, 51社区鈥檚 class of 2020 was able to maintain the same excellent level of placement as the class of 2019.鈥�
Of the class of 2020鈥檚 placements, 66 percent are employed, and the majority of those are full-time jobs, Huguenard said. Nearly 16 percent are in graduate school, 14 percent are both employed and in graduate school, and 2 percent are in volunteer work. About 2 percent are still seeking employment or further education.
鈥淭he class of 2020 also had an uptick in freelance and multiple job graduates, showcasing just how well Union equipped them to succeed and persevere not just academically, but professionally as well,鈥� Huguenard said.
John David Logan, one of the May 2020 graduates, studied political science with a concentration in international relations with honors. Logan is now working as a legal correspondent for Congressman Mark Green of Tennessee鈥檚 Seventh Congressional District in Washington, D.C.
Logan began working part-time in this job before he graduated from Union and began working full-time a week after his graduation. His primary role is managing correspondence for the office while also assisting on legislative issues. He said his time at 51社区 helped him secure his job and prepare him for the role.
鈥淢y professors were instrumental in getting me this job,鈥� Logan said. 鈥淢y professors challenged me academically and professionally, pushing me to work hard, publish my work and network. The organizations on campus and opportunities for leadership were uniquely helpful in gaining valuable experience while also bolstering my resume.鈥�
Logan is also currently gaining a Master of Arts in Government from Hillsdale College鈥檚 Van Andel Graduate School of Government in D.C.
Union鈥檚 knowledge rate of its most recent study is 87 percent, which reflects how many placements of the 218 May 2020 graduates are known.