ECONOMIC ISSUES
By Hilary Hilpert
Recent college graduates are forced to make changes in their job hunting strategies in light of a bleak economy.
A new survey by Global Outplacement Consultancy Challenger Inc., reveals that the job forecast for this year’s graduates is only a small step above last year’s dismal outlook. Although students are left to question their career path, the job market presents obstacles in addition to unforeseen opportunities.
Many students around the country are seeking ‘a gap-year experience.’ Rather than accepting jobs they are over-qualified for, recent grads are volunteering, traveling or joining programs like AmeriCorps, Teach for America or the Peace Corps to gain experience before entering a more promising job market.
Erika Skalski, 22, a Michigan State University (MSU) student, is excited to graduate this May. After spending her final semester unsuccessfully searching for a position in event planning, Skalski decided to apply for a program where she will teach English to children in Spain for a year. Skalski leaves in June and will continue her job search when she returns to America 12 months later.
Stories like Skalski’s are not uncommon. Although the effects of the job market have caused a great deal of frustration for recent college graduates, it also has encouraged them to do something out of the ordinary such as teaching English in a foreign country—not a bad gig if you ask me.
If you aren’t the traveling type, or it is simply not within your budget, don’t fret. There are many ways to make the most of your post-college, pre-career life without ever leaving the state.
For instance, today most employers won’t look twice at a resume unless they see the word ‘intern’ printed. Rather than snagging a position as a Starbucks barista or working in the Macy’s shoe department, graduates can spruce up their resumes, and possibly land a temporary or full-time position by applying for an internship.
“University officials and employers almost universally maintain that partaking in an internship—or several, which sets a student apart from his or her peers even more—before graduation is integral to finding meaningful employment in today’s seemingly impenetrable job market,” said US News reporter Brian Burnsed in his article Degrees Are Great, but Internships Make a Difference.
Another piece of advice for those nervous about finding a job is don’t be too picky. I am not implying that you should accept the first job you read on Craigslist, but don’t be scared to stray from your initial career path.
“[College grads] may have to look outside of the industry or career path they envisioned pursuing immediately out of college. They may need to look in parts of the country they might not have considered previously,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger Inc.
Many professionals today will tell you the job they have now is very different from their college degree. Sometimes a sudden change in plans can lead to a positive outcome, so don’t be terrified if the job you land doesn’t match your college courses.
While today’s job market may not be ideal, it has inspired students to get creative in their job hunts. Whether it takes us across the world where the market is brighter, leads us down an unbeaten career path or forces us to uncover another employable interest of ours, we can only gain from the varied work experience, hopefully making us all-the-more employable for round two.
Edited By Lorna Rodriguez
