Job market not helping out new graduates

By: Samantha Grossi

Posted: 4/9/09

The class of 2009 should be excited to graduate and move on with their lives. But many are putting the cap and gown aside to figure out what else they can do, in case they can't find a job. This year, the country is experiencing the most dynamic and changing economy in all of history. The mediocre days of getting a college education, moving on to your dream job, receiving financial security and retiring are long gone.

The graduating class of 2009 has a rough road ahead of them. Many graduates will not have applicable work experience and these students will have to compete with the millions who were recently laid off. Unfortunately, students of all majors will be affected. Those in the economics and business fields are affected by the corruption of major banking corporations.

Engineers will have difficulty finding a job do to the recent deployment of many workers from large companies such as Caterpillar and GM. Accountants are threatened by the many new programs on the market that figure out taxes instantly with the click of a mouse.

According to a NACE survey that was released this month, employers expect to hire 22 percent fewer graduates from the class of 2009 compared with hiring from the previous class.
The effects have hit home hard, as St. Ambrose students are having trouble looking for jobs, and more importantly, landing a job. Angela Grafton, the Assistant Director of Internship and Recruitment Coordination at SAU, noticed an increase of students looking for help in the Career Center.

"Attendance at the Career Center events has been very good this academic year. We had roughly 275 students attend ProFair in the fall and spring this year and we are seeing more interest in resume development," Grafton said.

One program that the Career Center offers helps prepare students for government jobs. Grafton said they usually see about 20-25 students, but this year the numbers doubled.
Mary Ohland, the Student Employment Coordinator at the Career Center, said she has noticed more graduates coming in for help this year as compared to previous years.

"We seem to be having more appointments with alumni who have been laid off from their jobs or who are anticipating a layoff," Ohland said.

SAU senior, Kimberly Pierce, admits to being terrified when it comes to finding a job after graduation.

"We have to go get a career in the real world and those are scarce right now. Hardly any company is short of employees right now. Most are overstaffed for what they can afford. I know of companies that are letting go of people they don't want to say goodbye to. They just can't afford to keep them right now," Pierce said.

In order to be successful, Grafton offers some advice for soon to be graduates.

"Be proactive, prepare in advance and don't wait for the opportunity to knock on your door. Use all of your resources from the Career Center from networking to attending multiple job fairs," Grafton said.

Grafton also believes that students should never panic. The more students do now to refine their resume, the more competitive it will make them.

Students born in 1986 and 1987 are feeling unfortunate and although the economy may not be on their side, students should always be aware of the opportunities that exist. It is important to be prepared, because you never know when an opportunity will present itself. If you are not ready, you may miss out.