First Destination Survey
The SDState First Destination Survey provides insight into the various career paths students take upon graduation. Survey data is 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 SDSU's 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
- Postgraduate plans
- Employment information
- Volunteer/service information
- Military information
The survey was sent electronically to graduating seniors four weeks prior to commencement. Students receive two reminders, and departments encourage students to participate in the survey. Departments also provided data.
Response rate
The survey was sent to 1,794 fall 2018 and spring 2019 graduating seniors. Of these, 787 students completed the survey (44% response rate). The overall undergraduate placement rate for 2018-2019 is 92.6% (employed full time/part time, graduate school and other endeavors).
Overall Undergraduate Placement Rate – 92.6%
Postgraduation Plans
- 61.9% employed full time
- 0.6% employed part time
- 19.4% enrolled in continuing education program or graduate school
- 5.6% planning to continue education but not yet enrolled
- 7.4% seeking employment
- 4.4% still interviewing/deciding between job offers
- 0.1% participating in volunteer or service program
- 0.5% serving in the U.S. military
Primary Activity
- 88.6% felt their primary postgraduate activity was related to their SDSU program of study
- 79.9% felt the postgraduate activity required the completion of a program or degree
- 89.8% felt their primary activity required the use of knowledge and skills they obtained through their education
- 61.0% perceived their primary activity as an entry-level position
Employment Information
- 47.8% traditional employer
- 4.5% entrepreneur/self-employed
- 7.8% temporary/contract work
- 5.9% postgraduate internship or fellowship
- 1.4% freelance
Employment Locations
- 64.2% South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã
- 15.8% Minnesota
- 4.7% Iowa
- 2.7% Nebraska
- 1.8% North à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã
