Graduating into a tough economy
By Charis Garrett
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: News
It's no secret that America's economy and job market is in a horrid condition. The lack of jobs has and will continue to have a negative affect on nearly every segment of the population, including graduating seniors.
One of the reasons why graduating seniors may not be able to put their degree to use is that they face more competition. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, nearly 1.1 million people will graduate with a bachelor's degree in May. The average graduate will battle for jobs with their peers as well as the 14 million people who are currently unemployed, many of who have significantly more work experience.
The mindset of employers also works against recent grads. According to several economics analysts, five years ago the job market was pretty much a "seller's market" and fresh college graduates were in demand because of their knowledge of newer technologies. Now, employers are the people making the demands because they have so many skilled people to choose from.
Information like this may make the future seem bleak. However, Laura Labovich, a career coach for the company Aspire! Empower!, says there are certain measures students can take to increase their chances of getting hired.
"Graduating students need to spend substantial time becoming an 'insider' in either a specific industry or a specific function through association membership, volunteerism, informational interviews, and more," Labovich says.
Labovich also advises students to find a mentor, begin reading trade journals related to their field, and going on Twitter to find the names of hiring managers at companies they are interested in. She also said that seniors should use their computer savviness to their advantage by making use of social networking platforms to stay in contact with friends, colleagues and peers who may have information on available jobs.
Labovich says, "It takes real moxie now to survive with these 'new rules' of the job search."
One of the reasons why graduating seniors may not be able to put their degree to use is that they face more competition. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, nearly 1.1 million people will graduate with a bachelor's degree in May. The average graduate will battle for jobs with their peers as well as the 14 million people who are currently unemployed, many of who have significantly more work experience.
The mindset of employers also works against recent grads. According to several economics analysts, five years ago the job market was pretty much a "seller's market" and fresh college graduates were in demand because of their knowledge of newer technologies. Now, employers are the people making the demands because they have so many skilled people to choose from.
Information like this may make the future seem bleak. However, Laura Labovich, a career coach for the company Aspire! Empower!, says there are certain measures students can take to increase their chances of getting hired.
"Graduating students need to spend substantial time becoming an 'insider' in either a specific industry or a specific function through association membership, volunteerism, informational interviews, and more," Labovich says.
Labovich also advises students to find a mentor, begin reading trade journals related to their field, and going on Twitter to find the names of hiring managers at companies they are interested in. She also said that seniors should use their computer savviness to their advantage by making use of social networking platforms to stay in contact with friends, colleagues and peers who may have information on available jobs.
Labovich says, "It takes real moxie now to survive with these 'new rules' of the job search."