“Employers come to us literally desperate for MSU graduates and struggle,” Tykocki said.

“There’s this misconception that there are no jobs in the state that are available, so students don’t even look.”

Tykocki said information technology, or IT, jobs, which on average earn about 75 percent higher pay than the average for all industries, are growing “exponentially” in the area.

A study by Capital Area Michigan Works projects that more than 1,300 jobs will be added in the area in the next five years.

Ryan Vartoogian is president of Spartan Internet Consulting Corp., which he founded during his sophomore year at MSU 10 years ago.

The company programs and designs Web sites for clients like the MSU Alumni Association and the MSU Land Policy Institute.

Vartoogian said the company is looking for MSU students and graduates. He said his business provides a work experience that current students can get something out of, including a job after school.

“When you’re in college, it’s a challenge to find something in the area that’s flexible and allows you to move into a career after graduation,” Vartoogian said.

TechSmith, an IT company based in Okemos, develops the software SnagIt, which allows users to capture, edit and share computer images.

TechSmith spokeswoman Jennifer Middlin said the company is looking to make itself known among students scoping out jobs.

“We haven’t, historically, done a good job of sticking our neck out to people in our own backyard and saying, ‘Hey, we’re here,’” Middlin said.

“People presume that if they want to work for a software developer, they’re going to have to look for jobs in California or Seattle. That’s just not the case.”