NSRCG
2010 National Survey of Recent College Graduates

Conducted by Mathematica Policy Research for the National Science Foundation
This information is solicited under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, and the Confidential Information and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002. The information you provide will be used for statistical purposes only. Your responses will be kept confidential. Your response is voluntary and failure to provide some or all of the requested information will not in any way adversely affect you. The average time to complete this survey is about 25 minutes. Please send any comments on the time required for this survey to the National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 295, Arlington, VA 22230, Attn: NSF Reports Clearance Officer.

Please make any name/address changes below.

__________________________________________________________
First Name
_______
MI
___________________________________________________________
Last Name
___________________________________________________________
Number and Street
___________________________________________________________
City/Town
_____________________________
State
_____________________________
Zip Code

Part A - Education Background

A1.

In what year did you receive your high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate?

YEAR ___ ___ ___ ___
0 [ ] DID NOT FINISH HIGH SCHOOL

A2.

In what U.S. state, U.S. territory, or foreign country did you last attend high school?

State/Territory: _________________________
OR
Foreign Country: _________________________

A3.

Have you ever taken courses at a community college?
Use an X to mark your answer.

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No

A4.

Do you have an associates degree?

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No (go to question A6)

A5.

(If yes) From which academic institution did you receive your associates degree?

School Name: ___________________________________
Department: ____________________________________
City/Town: _____________________________________
State/Foreign Country: _________________________

A6.

Using a 4-point scale, what was your overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA)?
If you have more than one bachelor's degree, give your overall grade point average for your first bachelor's degree.
Mark one answer.

1 [ ] 3.75-4.00 GPA (Mostly A's)
2 [ ] 3.25-3.74 GPA (About half A's/half B/s)
3 [ ] 2.75-3.24 GPA (Mostly B's)
4 [ ] 2.25-2.74 GPA (About half B's/half C's)
5 [ ] 1.75-2.24 GPA (Mostly C's)
6 [ ] 1.25-1.74 GPA (About half C's/half D's)
7 [ ] Less than 1.25 (Mostly D's or below)
8 [ ] Have not taken courses for which grades were given

A7.

During the week of October 1, 2010, were you enrolled in or taking courses at a college or university?

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No (Go to page 2, question A14)

A8.

(If Yes) Were you taking courses or enrolled as ...
Mark one answer.

1 [ ] A full-time student in a degree program
2 [ ] A part-time student in a degree program
3 [ ] Not enrolled in a degree program, but taking courses

A9.

Toward what degree were you working?
If you were working toward more than one degree, mark the level of the highest degree.
Mark one answer.

0 [ ] No specific degree (Go to question A12)
1 [ ] Bachelor's degree (e.g., BS, BA, AB)
2 [ ] Master's degree (e.g., MS, MA, MBA)
3 [ ] Doctorate (e.g., PhD, DSc, EdD)
4 [ ] Other professional degree (e.g., JD, LLB, MD, DDS, DVM) Specify type: _______________
5 [ ] Other ? Specify type: ___________________________

A10.

What was the primary field of study for this degree?
PRIMARY FIELD OF STUDY

__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

A11.

Using the FIELD OF STUDY list on pages 15-16, choose the code that best describes the field of study for this degree

Code: ___ ___ ___

NOTE: Field of study codes range from 601 to 995

A12.

For which of the following reasons were you taking courses or enrolled?
Mark Yes or No for each item.

1. To gain further education before entering a career

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

2. To prepare for graduate school or further education

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

3. To change your academic or occupational field

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

4. To gain further skills or knowledge in your academic or occupational field

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

5. For licensure or certification

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

6. To increase opportunities for promotion, advancement, or higher salary

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

7. Required or expected by employer

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

8. For leisure or personal interest

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

9. Other ? Specify: _____________________________________________

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

A13.

Were any of your school-related costs for taking courses paid for by an employer?

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No

A14.

How many degrees did you receive at the bachelor's level or higher prior to October 1, 2010?

Number _____

A15.
The next few questions ask about the degrees you received before October 1, 2010. Starting with your most recent college or university degree, please provide the following information for each degree you have at the bachelor?s level or higher. If you have more than three degrees, report your two most recent degrees and your first bachelor?s degree.

MOST RECENT DEGREE

a. From which school did you receive your most recent degree?

College or University Name
___________________________________________________
Department
___________________________________________________
City/Town
___________________________________________________
State/Foreign Country
___________________________________________________

b. In what month and year was this degree awarded?

Month: ___ ___ Year: ___ ___ ___ ___

c. What type of degree did you receive?
Mark one answer.

1 [ ] Bachelor's degree (e.g., BS, BA, AB)
2 [ ] Master's degree (e.g., MS, MA, MBA)
3 [ ] Doctorate (e.g., PhD, DSc, EdD)
4 [ ] Other professional degree (e.g., JD, LLB, MD, DDS, DVM) Specify: ________
5 [ ] Other ? specify: ________________________________

d. What is the major field of study and second major (if any) for this degree?

MAJOR FIELD OF STUDY
__________________________________
__________________________________
SECOND MAJOR
__________________________________

e. Using FIELD OF STUDY list on pages 15-16, choose the code that best describes the major field of study and second major (if any) for this degree.

Code for Major Field of Study: ___ ___ ___
Code for Second Major: ___ ___ ___

SECOND MOST RECENT DEGREE

a. From which school did you receive your most recent degree?

b. In what month and year was this degree awarded?

Month: ___ ___ Year: ___ ___ ___ ___

c. What type of degree did you receive?
Mark one answer.

d. What is the major field of study and second major (if any) for this degree?

MAJOR FIELD OF STUDY
__________________________________
__________________________________
SECOND MAJOR
__________________________________

e. Using FIELD OF STUDY list on pages 15-16, choose the code that best describes the major field of study and second major (if any) for this degree.

Code for Major Field of Study: ___ ___ ___
Code for Second Major: ___ ___ ___

FIRST BACHELOR'S DEGREE (if not already reported)

a. From which school did you receive your most recent degree?

b. In what month and year was this degree awarded?

Month: ___ ___ Year: ___ ___ ___ ___

c. What type of degree did you receive?
Mark one answer.

d. What is the major field of study and second major (if any) for this degree?

MAJOR FIELD OF STUDY
__________________________________
__________________________________
SECOND MAJOR
__________________________________

e. Using FIELD OF STUDY list on pages 15-16, choose the code that best describes the major field of study and second major (if any) for this degree.

Code for Major Field of Study: ___ ___ ___
Code for Second Major: ___ ___ ___

Part B ? Employment Situation

B1.

Were you working for pay or profit during the week of October 1, 2010?
Working includes being a student on paid work-study, self-employed, or on any type of paid or unpaid leave, including vacation.

1 [ ] Yes (Go to page 5, question B8)
2 [ ] No

B2.

(If No) Did you look for work during the four weeks preceding October 1, 2010? This would be between September 3rd and October 1st.

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No

B3.

What were your reasons for not working during the week of October 1, 2010?
Mark Yes or No for each item.

1. Retired

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No
If Yes, Year retired: ___ ___ ___ ___

2. On layoff from a job

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

3. Student

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

4. Family responsibilities

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

5. Chronic illness or permanent disability

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

6. Suitable job not available

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

7. Did not need or want to work

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

8. Other ? specify: ___________________________________

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

B4.

Prior to the week of October 1, 2010, when did you last work for pay or profit?

0 [ ] Mark this box if you never worked for pay or profit and then go to page 10, question D1.
LAST WORKED
Month: ___ ___ Year ___ ___ ___ ___

B5.

What was the title of the last job you held prior to the week of October 1, 2010?
Example: Financial analyst

_______________________________________________

B6.

What kind of work were you doing on this last job ? that is, what were your duties and responsibilities on your last job? Please be as specific as possible, including any area of specialization.
Example: Analyzed financial information, prepared technical reports. Specialized in asset management.

_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________

B7.

Using the JOB CATEGORY list on pages 17-18, choose the code that best describes the last job you held prior to the week of October 1, 2010.

CODE ___ ___ ___ (Go to page 8, question B35)

NOTE: Job category codes range from 010 to 500

Principal Employer

B8.

Who was your principal employer during the week of October 1, 2010?
If you had more than one job, report the one for which you worked the most hours that week.
If your employer had more than one location, report the location that employed you.
If you worked for a contracting or consulting company, report the name of that company, not the client organization.

Employer Name
______________________________________________________
Department/Division
______________________________________________________
City/Town
______________________________________________________
State
______________________________________________________
ZIP Code
______________________________________________________

B9.

What was that employer's main business or industry ? that is, what did that employer make or do?
If your principal employer had more than one type of business, report the type of business primarily performed at the location where you worked.
Example: Production of microprocessor chips

EMPLOYER'S MAIN BUSINESS
___________________________________________________

B10.

Counting all locations where this employer operates, how many people work for your principal employer? Your best estimate is fine.
Mark one answer.

1 [ ] 10 or fewer employees
2 [ ] 11-24 employees
3 [ ] 25-99 employees
4 [ ] 100-499 employees
5 [ ] 500-999 employees
6 [ ] 1,000-4,999 employees
7 [ ] 5,000-24,999 employees
8 [ ] 25,000+ employees

B11.

Did your principal employer came into being as a new business within the past 5 years?

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No

B12.

Which one of the following best describes your principal employer during the week of October 1, 2010? Were you ...
Mark one answer.

SELF-EMPLOYED or a BUSINESS OWNER

1 [ ] In a non-incorporated business, professional practice, or farm
2 [ ] In an incorporated business, professional practice, or farm

PRIVATE SECTOR employee

3 [ ] In a for-profit company or organization
4 [ ] In a non-profit organization (including tax-exempt and charitable organizations)

GOVERNMENT employee

5 [ ] In a local government (e.g., city, county, school district)
6 [ ] In a state government (including state colleges/universities)
7 [ ] In the U.S. military service, active duty or Commissioned Corps (e.g., USPHS, NOAA)
8 [ ] In the U.S. government (e.g., civilian employee)
9 [ ] OTHER type of employee ? Specify type of employer __________________________

B13.

Was your principal employer an educational institution?

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No (Go to pave 6, question B15)

B14.

(If Yes) Was the educational institution where you worked a...
Mark one answer.

1 [ ] Preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school or system
2 [ ] Two-year college, community college, or technical institute
3 [ ] Four-year college or university, other than a medical school
4 [ ] Medical school (including university-affiliated hospital or medical center)
5 [ ] University-affiliated research institute
6 [ ] Other ? Specify ____________________________

Principal Job

B15.

What was the title of the principal job you held during the week of October 1, 2010?
Example: Financial analyst

____________________________________________________

B16.

What kind of work were you doing on this job ? that is, what were your duties and responsibilities on your principal job? Please be as specific as possible, including any area of specialization.
Example: Analyzed financial information, prepared technical reports. Specialized in asset management.

______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

B17.

Using the JOB CATEGORY list on pages 17-18, choose the code that best describes the principal job you held during the week of October 1, 2010.

CODE: ___ ___ ___

NOTE: Job category codes range from 010 to 500

B18.

Did your duties on this job require the technical expertise of a bachelor's degree or higher in...
Mark Yes or No for each item.

1. Engineering, computer science, math, or the natural sciences

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

2. The social sciences

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

3. Some other field (e.g., health, business, or education) ? Specify __________________

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

B19.

During what month and year did you start this job (that is, the principal job you held during the week of October 1, 2010)?

PRINCIPAL JOB STARTED
Month ___ ___ Year ___ ___ ___ ___

B20.

To what extent was your work on you principal job related to your highest degree? Was it...
Mark one answer.

1 [ ] Closely related (Go to page 7, question B23)
2 [ ] Somewhat related (Go to page 7, question B23)
3 [ ] Not related (Go to page 7, question B23)

B21.

(If Not related) Did these factors influence your decision to work in an area outside the field of your highest degree?
Mark Yes or No for each item.

1. Pay, promotion opportunities

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

2. Working conditions (e.g., hours, equipment, working environment)

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

3. Job location

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

4. Changes in career or professional interests

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

5. Family-related reasons (e.g., children, spouse's job moved)

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

6. Job in highest degree field not available

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

7. Some other reason ? Specify ___________________________

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

B22.

Which two factors in question B21 were your most important reasons for working in an area outside the field of your highest degree?
Enter number of appropriate reason from question B21 above.

1 _____ Most important reason
2 _____ Second most important reason (Enter "0" if no second reason)

B23.

The next question is about your work activities on your principal job. Which of the following work activities occupied at least 10 percent of your time during a typical work week on this job?
Mark Yes or No for each item.

1. Accounting, finance, contracts

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

2. Basic research ? study directed toward gaining scientific knowledge primarily for its own sake

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

3. Applied research ? study directed toward gaining scientific knowledge to meet a recognized need

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

4. Development ? using knowledge gained from research for the production of materials, devices

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

5. Design or equipment, processes, structures, models

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

6. Computer programming, systems or applications development

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

7. Human resources ? including recruiting, personnel development, training

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

8. Managing or supervising people or projects

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

9. Production, operations, maintenance (e.g., chip production, operating lab equipment)

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

10. Professional services (e.g., health care, counseling, financial services, legal services)

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

11. Sales, purchasing, marketing, customer service, public realtions

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

12. Quality or productivity management

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

13. Teaching

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

14. Other ? specify _________________________

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

B24.

On which two activities in question B23 did you work the most hours during a typical week on this job?
Enter number of appropriate activity from question B23 above.

1 ___ ___ Activity most hours
2 ___ ___ Activity second most hours (Enter "0" if no second most)

B25.

Did you supervise the work of others as part of the principal job you held during the week of October 1, 2010?
Mark "Yes" if you recommend or initiated personnel actions such as hiring, firing, evaluating, or promoting others.
Teachers should not count students.

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No (Go to question B27)

B26.

(If Yes) How many people did you typically...

1. Supervise directly? _____ (Number supervised)(if none, enter "0")
2. Supervise indirectly through subordinate supervisors? _____(Number supervised)(if none, enter "0")

B27.

Thinking about your principal job held during the week of October 1, please rate your satisfaction with that job's...
Mark one answer for each item.

1. Salary

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

2. Benefits

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

3. Job security

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

4. Job location

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

5. Opportunities for advancement

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

6. Intellectual challenge

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

7. Level of responsibility

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

8. Degree of independence

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

9. Contribution to society

1 [ ] Very satisfied 2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied 3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied [ ] 4 Very dissatisfied

B28.

How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the principal job you held during the week of October 1, 2010?
Mark one answer.

1 [ ] Very satisfied
2 [ ] Somewhat satisfied
3 [ ] Somewhat dissatisfied
4 [ ] Very dissatisfied

B29.

As of the week of October 1, 2010, what was your basic annual salary on your principal job, before deductions?
Do not include bonuses, overtime, or additional compensation for summertime teaching or research. If you are not salaried, please estimate your earned income, excluding business expenses.

$___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___.00
ANNUAL SALARY OR EARNED INCOME

B30.

Was this salary based on a 52-week year, or less than that?
Include paid vacation and sick leave.

1 [ ] 52-week year
2 [ ] Less than 52 weeks

NUMBER OF WEEKS PER YEAR ___ ___

B31.

During a typical week on your principal job, how many hours did you work?

NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK _____

If fewer than 35 hours, go to question B32.
If 35 or more hours, go to question B34.

B32.

(If fewer than 35 hours) Did you want to work 35 or more hours per week on your principal job?

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No

B33.

For which of the following reasons did you usually work fewer than 35 hours per week on the principal job you held during the week of October 1, 2010?
Mark Yes or No for each item

1. Previously retired or semi-retired

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No
(If Yes) Year retired: ___ ___ ___ ___

2. Student

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

3. Family responsibilities

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

4. Full-time job not available

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

5. Held more than one job

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

6. Did not need or want to work more hours

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

7. Other ? specify ____________________________________________

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

B34.

Concerning your principal job during the week of October 1, 2010, were any of the following benefits available to you, even if you choose not to take them?
Mark Yes or No for each item.

1. Health insurance that was at least partially paid by your employer

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

2. A pension plan or a retirement plan to which your employer contributed

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

3. A profit ?sharing plan

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

4. Paid vacation, sick, or personal days

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

B35.

Thinking back now to 2009, was any of your work during 2009 supported by contracts or grants from the U.S. government?
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Please answer "No"
Mark one answer.

0 [ ] Did not work in 2009 (Go to page 9, question C1)
1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No (Go to question B37)
3 [ ] Don't know (Go to question B37)

B36.

(If Yes) Which Federal agencies or departments were supporting your work?
Mark all that apply.

1 [ ] Dept. of Defense (DOD)
2 [ ] Dept. of Education
3 [ ] Dept. of Energy (DOE)
4 [ ] National Institutes of Health (NIH)
5 [ ] Dept. of Health and Human Services (except NIH)
6 [ ] National Science Foundation (NSF)
7 [ ] Other ? Specify ______________________________

B37.

Counting all jobs held in 2009, what was your total earned income for 2009, before deductions? Include all wages, salaries, bonuses, overtime, commissions, consulting fees, net income from businesses, summertime teaching or research, or other work associated with scholarships.

$___,___ ___ ___,___ ___ ___.00
TOTAL 2009 EARNED INCOME

Part C ? Other Work-Related Experiences

C1.

During the past 12 months, did you take any work-related training, such as workshops or seminars?
Include conferences or professional meetings only if you attended a training session at the conference or meeting.
Do not include college coursework for which you were enrolled in a degree program

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No (Go to question C4)

C2.

(If yes) For which of the following reasons did you take training during the past 12 months?
Mark Yes or No for each item.

1. To improve skills or knowledge in your current occupation field

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

2. To increase opportunities for promotion or advancement in your current occupational field

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

3. For licensure or certification in your current occupational field

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

4. To facilitate a change to a different occupational field

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

5. Required or expected by employer

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

6. For leisure or personal interest

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

7. Other ? specify ______________

1 [ ] Yes 2 [ ] No

C3.

What was your most important reason from question C2 for taking training?
Enter number of appropriate reason from question C2 above

MOST IMPORTANT REASON _____

C4.

During the past 12 months, did you attend any professional society or association meetings or professional conferences?
Include regional, national, or international meetings.

1 [ ] Yes
2 [ ] No

C5.

To how many regional, national, or international professional societies or associations do you currently belong?

NUMBER _____ (If none, enter "0")

C6.

When thinking about a job, how important is each of the following factors to you?
Mark one answer for each item.

1. Salary