<p>Absolutely not. I don’t remember a single student staying more than 4 years. All were anxious to get out and make big bucks.</p>
<p>I didn’t mention before that one year, back in the old days, no one was hiring. It was a one year-fluke economic turndown. That year most students didn’t get offers. Back then, kids didn’t hang around a campus for more than 4 years for fear they’d look like drifters. They went home. But I later heard they had all gotten jobs within the year. </p>
<p>I’d guess what you read is a reflection of the general trend. I’ve heard of many students in both the US and Canada stalling graduation even in fields where there are jobs. “Why not take some extra courses to get an edge?” is the new norm. I’m surprised it’s affecting engineering and wonder if it’s largely voluntary. The engineering department here at Rutgers says employment has not been affected.</p>
<p>My sister is a CE and she’s been trying to retire for 5 years. At this point, she actually has an agent who calls her with offers with “Can’t refuse” terms. She says companies are going bonkers trying to fill jobs. I think she’s earned more money working very part time for 5 years than she made in the previous 10 years. She’s used to the extra income to rebuild her house, travel all over the world, buy cars…then she comes home, works a bit, then she’s off again. That’s the picture she paints. </p>
<p>So, my point is, you need to find out what the number you found really means. Are there unemployed young engineers? I wonder if you could phone a headhunter and simply ask? While you’re at it, ask what starting salaries are right now.</p>