Students who choose to remain in Iowa after graduating may find it easier than expected to find a job.

Through 2012, approximately 60,000 new job openings will be created annually in Iowa, according to a study conducted by Iowa Workforce Development.

The predicted new openings, which will primarily be in the medical and computer technology fields, would more than offset predicted losses in fields such as farming and ranching. This trend, which would require workers to be more highly educated, will cause 45 percent of jobs in Iowa to require a postsecondary education by the year 2012, according to the Iowa Workforce Development Web site.

Despite this favorable outlook for future college graduates, some ISU students question the wisdom of staying in Iowa.

“I’m worried about finding a job,” said Kelsey Andresen, junior in health and human performance.

Andresen said she plans to attend medical school at the University of Iowa and will eventually live and work in Iowa.

She felt that she spoke for many ISU students about Iowa’s job market.

“I love Iowa, but I do wish there were more job opportunities and things to do,” she said.

Peter Orazem, university professor of economics, said Iowa traditionally exports more young college graduates than it attracts.

“The No. 1 driving force for people leaving Iowa is low wages,” said Orazem. “But these new jobs will be more upscale and higher-paying – hopefully enticing college graduates to stay here.”

Other than the potential for employment, another factor considered by most graduating students is the lure of the excitement offered by bigger cities.

“I’d like to get out and explore the world,” said Drew Anderson, sophomore in biology. “Iowa would be a great place to settle down eventually.”