Graduating into the economy
Chris Martini
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: News
By Chris Martini
The College Employment research team at Michigan State University reports that, because of the economy, employers plan to hire 8 percent fewer college graduates in 2009. While this decrease in hiring may be disheartening to many college graduates, it does not mean that there are not jobs out there; graduates just have to look in different areas to find the open positions.
With the rate of hiring declining, college graduates in 2009 will spend more time looking for jobs, and in some instances take jobs they are overqualified for. Some could also work as interns or in non-permanent jobs. Dr. Myra McCrickard, an economics professor at Bellarmine, said, "Graduates will experience less job security as some firms may not be able to continue to employ the individuals that they have hired in the coming months."
Because of the state of the economy, businesses are being more cautious of hiring recent college graduates. Even getting the attention of these companies and businesses has become harder for college students, with around 200 online applications being received for each job posted on career sites.
Ann Zeman, Director of Career Development and Counseling at Bellarmine, said, "One of the issues college students face is will the employers be influenced to hire an entry level person, but this is something that you don't know."
While it may be harder for recent graduates to find jobs, many counselors still believe graduates can get jobs, because businesses are always looking to hire young, long-term talent.
"College students have the advantage because they are more willing and excited to enter the field where the displaced workers are just looking for the next job" said Zeman.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers Survey reports that there has been a 10 to 15 percent decrease in college recruitment by businesses all across the country. Because of this decrease, career counselors at universities across the country have been working overtime to help their students.
The College Employment research team at Michigan State University reports that, because of the economy, employers plan to hire 8 percent fewer college graduates in 2009. While this decrease in hiring may be disheartening to many college graduates, it does not mean that there are not jobs out there; graduates just have to look in different areas to find the open positions.
With the rate of hiring declining, college graduates in 2009 will spend more time looking for jobs, and in some instances take jobs they are overqualified for. Some could also work as interns or in non-permanent jobs. Dr. Myra McCrickard, an economics professor at Bellarmine, said, "Graduates will experience less job security as some firms may not be able to continue to employ the individuals that they have hired in the coming months."
Because of the state of the economy, businesses are being more cautious of hiring recent college graduates. Even getting the attention of these companies and businesses has become harder for college students, with around 200 online applications being received for each job posted on career sites.
Ann Zeman, Director of Career Development and Counseling at Bellarmine, said, "One of the issues college students face is will the employers be influenced to hire an entry level person, but this is something that you don't know."
While it may be harder for recent graduates to find jobs, many counselors still believe graduates can get jobs, because businesses are always looking to hire young, long-term talent.
"College students have the advantage because they are more willing and excited to enter the field where the displaced workers are just looking for the next job" said Zeman.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers Survey reports that there has been a 10 to 15 percent decrease in college recruitment by businesses all across the country. Because of this decrease, career counselors at universities across the country have been working overtime to help their students.
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