RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Finding a job right now is difficult for many people, especially for college graduates.

But new statistics from the School of Mines and Technology says the future is looking kind of bright.

96 percent of last year’s graduating class ended up getting a job or going to graduate school.

Despite the high percentage, COVID-19 made it tough for these past graduates.

Matthew Hanley with the School of Mines and Technology, said many of the former students ended up accepting a job that was more aligned with their plan B scheme this year.

However, 31 percent of them are staying right here in South Dakota and can play a key role for the economy and the future of the pandemic.

“Say that they really want to stay in South Dakota and the opportunity just wasn’t there this year.  They can go out. They can go work for a different company in a different state gain those skills, gain that experience which is going to then let them come back to South Dakota and bring all those skills they have learned back to our state,” Matthew Hanley, Career and Professional Development Center Director, said.

Hanley attributes the students success rate with the school’s  focus on offering real-world experience through internships and research.

Copyright 2020 KOTA. All rights reserved.