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All signs are pointing to a positive job outlook for the more than 1.2 million graduates of the class of 2005. College grads of all majors will see increases in hiring and salaries, the best graduate hiring season since the job boom of the mid-1990s.

Twenty percent of hiring managers plan to hire more associates, bachelors and masters graduates in 2005 than they did in 2004, according to the Collegiate Employment Research Institute (CERI) at Michigan State University. In a similar study, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that employers expect to hire 13.1 percent more new college grads in 2004-05 than they hired in 2003-04.

CERI reports two key factors are shaping the labor market: productivity demands and skill requirements.

According to NACE's Spring 2005 Salary Survey, the top 10 jobs for grads and their corresponding salaries are:
Accounting (Private) - $44,564
Management Trainee - $35,811
Teaching - $29,733
Consulting - $49,781
Sales - $37,130
Accounting (Public) - $41,039
Financial/Treasury Analysis - $45,596
Software Design and Development - $53,729
Design/Construction Engineering - $47,058
Registered Nurse - $38,775

Now that you know the top jobs for grads, here are some obvious and not-so-obvious places to look for that first job:

Job Web Sites
Job boards aren't just for full-time professionals. Many employers advertise internship opportunities just as they would a regular job. And there are a ton out there. A recent search on CareerBuilder.com using keyword "intern" garnered more than 1,700 postings.

Company Web Sites
Do you admire a company and hope to work there someday? Check out their employment section online and chances are internship positions will be listed. If not, contact human resources directly and just ask if they offer internships and how to apply. And even if there isn't a formal intern program, there's a good chance they'll consider bringing you on as one anyway.

Your Academic Adviser and Professors
College professors aren't always holed up in their offices cut off from the rest of the world. They are the experts in their field and aware of industry trends. They have widespread networks and are often contacted by peers and colleagues who are offering opportunities for students.

Career Services Office
Your university career center will have apprenticeship listings and may have other resources including books, employer files and directories and Web sites. Career counselors can give you advice, critique your approach and put you on the right track.

Job Fairs
Do you think of a cattle call when you hear the word "job fair?" Employers often use job fairs to identify students for internships and also full-time employment. And, they're great opportunities to make that positive first impression by putting a face to a résumé, especially when the résumé doesn't include a lot of real world experience.

Library
Research organizations and industries to tailor cover letters and résumés to that employer. You'll learn about trends and probably discover new companies and organizations who might have available opportunities.

Your Network
Think a network is for seasoned professionals? You're wrong -- anyone you know is part of your network. Talk with friends, family, co-workers, supervisors, instructors, administrators and professionals in their fields of study, and let them know you're looking for an internship. It could be as simple as e-mailing your résumé to everyone in your address book and letting them know your intentions.


Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.