I heard a report on NPR this morning that the beginning of 2007 represents the highest company demand for college graduates since 2000. The report went on to say that, due to such strong demand for college graduates, companies are resorting to major signing bonuses in hope of commitments. I say “Hooray” to both college grads and the companies who are in need of their services, as this must be a solid indication that the economy is up and running.

Here’s what I can’t figure out: If companies are gobbling up college grads as fast as they can (and paying above market rates for them), we can only assume it means that these grads are qualified to work at these companies and can come in and add value day one. Right? If my assumption is correct, then where are these grads hiding? We advertise for jobs (at above market!) here at BLASTmedia on Monster.com, on campuses and in the local Midwest papers…and we can find qualified grads about as easily as a blind bat can see its cave.

So, I ask this question to recent college graduates who have studied PR/Media Relations: Where are you? Under what rock are you hiding? We are contemplating a nationwide scavenger hunt in search of qualified College grads. I’m thinking something along the lines of “The Amazing Race,” where we race from city to city with maps, GPS units and mug shots of recent grads all looking for the elusive “qualified college graduate.” That’s it….I’m calling Mark Burnett.