Report: New UWO alumni surpass national benchmarks, are hired before graduation with rising starting salaries

Nearly eight of 10 Titans in the class of 2022-23 crossed the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh graduation stage with their Wisconsin-based career opportunity already locked, and in line to earn an average starting salary 2.7 percent higher than the preceding class.

That's just a snapshot of growth and success that is now the norm for UWO graduates, who continue to hit the ground and regional and state workforce running after graduation. The latest UWO First Destination Outcomes Report continues to capture new alumni successes through surveys sent to "baccalaureate degree candidates prior to graduation and through follow up emails sent to graduates six months after graduation."

The latest responsive data tracks the UWO class of 2022-23 (1,566 bachelor's degree earners).

Some of the report's key findings:

· UWO continues to have strong, reliable knowledge of what its young alumni are achieving: the overall response rate to the class of 2022-23 First Destination survey (93 percent) is a whopping 28% higher than the best practice from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

· The vast majority of new Titans alumni continued to get hired and launch careers before graduation: 76% of the 2022 - 2023 class secured their outcome prior to graduation, 6.6 percent higher than just five years ago.

· UWO graduates' average starting salaries continue to climb, surpassing $55,000 for the class of 2022-23. The UWO College of Nursing continues to be a university leader, seeing its 2022-23 graduates, on average, eclipse $70,000.

· UWO brain RETAIN and brain GAIN remain strong: Of the 2022-23 class, 84.4% of Wisconsin residents remain in Wisconsin after graduation; 30.9% of non-residents remain in state and become new Wisconsinites.

"UWO talent drives growth and supplies leadership in the Fox Valley region and beyond," UWO Chancellor Andrew Leavitt shared in the report. "Thank you to the hundreds of organizations and partners who provide internships and classroom connected learning experiences for our students. Together, we're developing phenomenal talent, launching rewarding careers, shaping immediate success stories, and helping strengthen our economy and communities even before graduates cross the Commencement stage."

The First Destination Report is managed by UWO Career & Professional Development, the university's provider of career information, advice and occupational guidance for students.

"Our impressive 93% overall response rate for 2022-2023 First Destination Outcomes Survey reinforces the unique value of a UW Oshkosh degree and graduates willing to share their next opportunity," said Jaime Page-Stadler, executive director of UWO Career & Professional Development. "With 76% of students securing jobs before graduation in top industries including healthcare, manufacturing, education and more, our graduates are prepared for success. Situated on the I-41 corridor, UW Oshkosh offers an ideal environment for students to launch their careers. This strategic location ensures diverse opportunities and strong employer connections, making it a wise choice for those seeking a credible degree and a bright future."

One experience-packed journey for this Titan alumna

Alumna Anna Murphy-Pociask, '23, is already part of the Green Bay Packers social media team, having also served in internships with the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Oshkosh-based Wisconsin Herd NBA G League team and Oscar Mayer while at UWO. She credits the university experience for her growth as an individual and success in her career.

"Not only has UW Oshkosh given me hands-on experiences and mentors but also lifelong friendships," she said. "I feel that my classes were engaging and beneficial to my learning. The professors and staff were always willing to make the extra time to make sure I understood the content. Through my internships as the Wisconsin Herd NBA G League and Discover Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, I have learned how to succeed as an entry-level public relations professional. The skills I learned through these internships include strategic communications, leadership, event management and more. The combination of my internships and my UW Oshkosh experience, I felt fully prepared for life after graduation."

Murphy-Pociask was able to take on the role of an Oscar Mayer Hotdogger where she represented the brand and drove the iconic Wienermobile.

"I feel the memories, skills and people will stick with me for a long time," she said.

Page-Stadler and her team work closely with dozens of employer partners who provide internships and other work and service-learning experiences that help develop UWO students and, often, launch them into their first careers.

Organizations-from Fortune 500 companies to local nonprofits, schools and governments-are seeing the results.

Here are a few employer reflections:

"Working with the faculty and staff at UWO has been amazing," said Payton Zimmer, a campus recruiter with insurance giant Northwestern Mutual. "We've had the great privilege of sharing our formal College Financial Representative internship opportunity with many UWO students over the course of several years. The students who have come through our internship program have displayed advanced skills and much success that is a testament to the student experience they receive at UWO. We are honored to partner with UWO and look forward to continuing to work with all the incredible students in the future."

"Our new team members who are graduates from UW Oshkosh are a great benefit to the organization, passionate about serving patients and families, and providing high-quality care for our communities," said Katie Ball, PhD, MSN, RN, CENP, ThedaCare Vice President, Nursing Excellence and Education. "Their eagerness to learn and contribute strengthens team engagement and sense of purpose."

"The talent we have had the opportunity to bring into our organization from UWO has been extraordinary," said Jesse Lentz, a UWO alumnus serving as Director, Supply Chain - Sustainability and Adhesive Solutions Business Segment, for Mativ, a global specialty materials company. "Some of our brightest, high potential employees have come from the UWO pipeline. The Oshkosh graduates are ahead of their peers in terms of readiness for the workforce and come equipped with valuable skills and passion for the job. We are very pleased with our partnership with the college and look forward to the years to come."

Learn more:

UWO First Destination Outcomes Report, 2022-23

Study at UW Oshkosh

UWO Career & Professional Development

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