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First Destination Survey (2021-2022)

First Destination Survey: 2021-2022

The First Destination Survey provides insight into the various career paths students take upon graduation. Survey data are used to measure the effectiveness of programs, identify employment opportunities of SDSU graduates, and improve academic programs. Survey results also help identify career expectations and opportunities for prospective and current undergraduate students. The First Destination Survey supports the SDSU mission by collecting student outcome data to ensure students received a rich academic experience that supports their personal and professional paths.

Methods

The survey was designed following recommendations from the .

The First Destination Survey sections included:

  • Student information
  • Post-graduate plans
  • Employment information
  • Volunteer/Service information
  • Military information

The survey was sent electronically to undergraduates applying for graduation four weeks prior to commencement. Students receive two reminders and departments encourage students to participate in the survey. After the survey closes, Departments are asked if they have any additional information on the career outcomes of their graduates who did not participate in the survey.

Reporting Changes

The 2021-2022 report differs from prior reports by reporting knowledge and career outcomes rates as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

  • Knowledge Rate the percent of graduates for which the institution has reasonable and verifiable information concerning the graduates’ postgraduation career activities (or knowledge). The rate is expressed as: (#employed + #service + #military + #continuing education + #still seeking employment & continuing education + #not seeking) / (total graduates). The sample size is noted by “n”.
  • Career Outcomes Rate is expressed as: (#employed + #service + #military + #continuing education) / (#employed + #service + #military + #continuing education + #still seeking employment & continuing education).

Knowledge Rate
The survey was sent to 297 summer 2021, 497 fall 2021 and 1,230 spring 2022 graduating seniors. Of these, 426 students completed the survey (21.0% response rate). Departments also provided feedback on an additional 591 (29%) of graduates for a combined knowledge rate of 50% (n=1016).

Overall Undergraduate Career Outcome Rate

n=1016

89.0%
Overall Career Outcome Rate

Post-Graduation Plans

n=1016

69.7%
Employed Full-Time
3.2%
Employed Part-Time
15.0%
Enrolled in Continuing Education Program or Graduate School
2.6%
Planning to Continue Education but not yet Enrolled
5.5%
Seeking Employment
2.8%
Still Interviewing/Deciding between Job Offers
0.5%
Not Seeking Employment or Continuing Education/Graduate School
0.1%
Participating in a volunteer or service program (e.g., Peace Corps)
0.7%
Serving in the U.S. Military

Primary Activity

n=424

93.7%
Felt their Primary Postgraduate Activity was Related to their SDSU Program of Study
85.0%
Felt the Postgraduate Activity Required the Completion of a Program or Degree
90.4%
Felt their Primary Activity Required the Use of Knowledge and Skills they Obtained through Their Education
61.8%
Perceived Their Primary Activity as an Entry Level Position

Employment Information

n=422

60.7%
Traditional Employer
2.6%
Entrepreneur/Self-Employed
4.7%
Temporary/Contract Work
3.1%
Postgraduate Internship or Fellowship

Employment Locations

n=270

61.5%
South ֱ
14.4%
Minnesota
7.8%
Iowa
3.0%
North ֱ
2.6%
Nebraska