First Destination Survey 

The First Destination Survey provides data concerning recent graduates.  The data is collected every spring since May 2003 (except for 2004). Data was collected by locating computer stations in the Bookstore while students picked up caps and gowns for graduation.

-Click here to view the specific results of the survey. (31 tables)
-Click here to view the student input form.
-Click here to provide feedback for this survey.

History of Survey
The First Destination Survey was initiated due to an awareness that we need more data on what our recent graduates are doing.  After much research, the current instrument was selected because of the creditability of the company, (Career Dimensions) and the satisfaction of schools currently utilizing the survey.  Customization of the instrument began in early fall 2002 to meet the particular needs of Salisbury University.  Beta testing began in January 2003 and all customizations finalized at spring break, 2003.  First Destination crushes data real-time and provides a student-friendly format.

Overview
The First Destination Survey provides data concerning recent graduates. The first data was accumulated from May 2003 graduates approximately one month prior to graduation. Data was collected by locating computer stations in the Bookstore while students picked up caps and gowns. For that year:
  732 students completed the Survey representing 73% of the spring graduating class.

Employment
  One quarter of the students reported their post graduation status as employed full time, while almost one-half were still seeking employment.
  For African American students, 32% reported their post graduation status as employed full time versus 25% for Caucasian students.
  Of those who are employed, fully ¾ are employed in Maryland.
  Again, ¾ reported that they were “satisfied/very satisfied” with their job.
  Examples of jobs that new graduates have include: Accountant Manager, Graphic Designer, Visual Assistant, Biologist, RN, Sales Agent, Credit Manager, Human Resource Director, Production Supervisor, Research Assistant, Video Production Coordinator, Computer Programmer, Teacher, Social Worker, Executive Assistant, Project Supervisor, Reporter, Loan Officer, Studio Technician, Personal Trainer, Enforcement Analyst, Marketing Assistant, Staff Consultant, GIS analyst, Captain, Information Systems Specialist, Junior Network Engineer, Facilitator, Sales Rep, Unit Manager, Account Manager, Management Trainee, Environmental Education Specialist, Area Coordinator, Bereavement Counselor, Store Manager, Foster Care Worker, Respiratory Therapist.

Salary
  The mean salary was $33,532. This is slightly higher than the national average.
  Nurses received, by far, the most signing bonuses, with the average being $ 4,300.
  While only 111 declared their salaries, of those that did, women fared a bit better than men ($34,800 v. $31,600)

Further Education
  12% of graduates reported their post graduation status as “enrolled in School for further study”.
  7% of African American graduates were going to graduate school versus 12 % of Caucasian students.
  8 students indicated they were going to Medical School, 3 to Veterinary and Law School and one each to dental and optometry.
  Students were pursuing their education at a wide variety of universities that include: Anne Arundel Community college, Austin Peay, Baltimore School of Massage, Baja California Language College, Central Connecticut, College of Southern Maryland, Drexel, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Atlantic, George Washington, Georgetown, John Hopkins, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Marymount, Middle Tennessee State, Monmouth University, Montgomery College, Queen’s University in Ireland, Radford, Salisbury University, Towson, UMB, UMBC, UMES, University of Wales, Universities of Alabama, Baltimore, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, and Villanova, Virginia Tech, Western Carolina.
  25 students indicated pursuing another degree at Salisbury University, usually a graduate degree.

Internships
  Virtually all students in the Seidel School have internships. In the Perdue School, 64% participate in internships. The Henson and Fulton Schools have 21% and 23% students respectively with internships.
  8% of students held more than one internship.
  There were more unpaid than paid internships.
  The majority of internships were completed in Salisbury and the surrounding areas. However internships were completed in 12 other states such as AR, NY, DE, CA, CT, FL, GA, PA, MA, DC, VA, NJ, and even further afoot in places like France, New Zealand, Ireland, Nicaragua.
  Examples of organizations that benefited from an SU intern are: Ernst & Young, KMPG, Perdue, IRS, Lockheed Martin, Baltimore Aquarium, Columbia University, Major League Baseball Productions, PRMC, USDA, Legg Mason, Booz Allen Hamilton, Special Olympics, Northrup Grumman, American Diabetes Association, Washington Capitals, Smithsonian, DuPont, Clear Channel, WBOC, etc.