First Destination Survey

First Destination Survey: 2019-2020

The SDSTATE First Destination Survey to provide insight into the various career paths students take upon graduation. Survey data are used to measure the effectiveness of programs, identify employment opportunities of SDSU graduates, and improve academic programs. Survey results also help identify career expectations and opportunities for prospective and current undergraduate students.  The First Destination Survey supports the SDSU mission by collecting student outcome data to ensure students received a rich academic experience that supports their personal and professional paths.

Methods
The survey was designed following recommendations from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

The First Destination Survey sections included:

• Student information
• Post-graduate plans
• Employment information
• Volunteer/Service information
• Military information

The survey was sent electronically to graduating seniors 4 weeks prior to commencement.  Students receive two reminders and departments encourage students to participate in the survey. Departments also provided data.

Response rate
The survey was sent to 236 summer 2019, 461 fall 2019, and 1,310 spring 2020 graduating seniors. Of these, 972 students completed the survey (48.4% response rate). The overall undergraduate placement rate for 2019-2020 is 89.4% (employed full-time/part-time + graduate school + other endeavors/total).