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Good news for college grads turns into a positive for local economy

Posted at 11:46 AM, May 27, 2015
and last updated 2015-05-27 17:19:30-04

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich.-- Some good news for college graduates this spring and summer, and it's a positive for the local economy.

Employers are expected to hire more new college graduates this year than they did from the class of 2014.

Recent Grand Valley State University grad, Averi Doolittle, is one of them.  With a degree that specializes in sustainable business and community development, Doolittle credits her part-time job at Flowerlandfor helping develop the skills she needs to be successful.

"Customer service has been huge," she said. "Working face-to-face with customers and being their first interaction when they walk through the door.”

"Generally, we will hire 40 to 50 part-timers in the spring into summer," said Flowerland CEO, Rick Vuyst.

Vuyst said college graduates are the perfect people to fill those positions.

"They learn a lot and in the process. We get an employee that takes care of our customers. It's just a win-win situation.”

Vuyst said it’s rewarding to help college students work toward success.

In fact, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies plan to hire 8.3% more new college grads this year than they did from the class of 2014.

This as Forbesreleased its top careers for 2015. All 10 of the top jobs listed fall in health care or STEM field, being science, technology, engineering and math based, with incomes starting at $70,000 a year and up.

Doolittle knows the seeds she’s planted as a part-time worker at Flowerland will only grow to a successful career helping improve the fashion industry.

"I'm excited to see where the world is going to take me."