Published April 16, 2009
The Enterprise of Brockton, Mass.
Published April 23, 2009
The Lakeville Call
By Janina Todesca
College debt and the recent economic crisis has left Nancy Connolly, a graduate of Bridgewater State College, in a dire situation.
“I am college educated. I never thought that I would have any trouble trying to find a full-time, well-paying job that is a step towards accomplishing my career goal,” said Nancy Connolly, of South Boston, who is currently employed at The Mentor Network and Zipcar.
Connolly is not alone in her attempt to find a suitable job.
Many Americans are looking to find any work, suitable or unsuitable.
Both the number of unemployed persons, 11.6 million, and the unemployment rate, 7.6 percent, rose in January. Over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed persons has increased by 4.1 million. The unemployment rate has risen from 7.2 percent to 7.6 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“I’m worried that when I graduate this year I’ll be stuck in the same part time job that I was working when I was 16 years old,” said Lisa Totaro, of Worchester, a Stonehill College senior. “And as much as that worries me, I think I’d be grateful if they hired me back right now.”
Connolly faces Totaro’s worries every single day.
“I never expected to be in the same position at my high school job. I thought that by going to college I would earn more money and be put at a higher position,” said Connolly, “I am learning that you have to build years of experience first and I’m hoping that the economy will improve so that my experience pays off.”
Luckily for Connolly she has her jobs to fall back on, unlike many college graduates that are unemployed. The number of people with a college degree who were out of work rose to 1.413 million from 1.411 million in the previous month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Students might have to be more willing to accept lower level positions to get their foot in the door, and then, after things improve, they can negotiate for more responsible positions or re-enter a stronger labor market. Getting some immediate experience is far better than waiting indefinitely for a better position,” said Robert Rosenthal, Professor and Chair of the Economics department at Stonehill College.
Some college graduates are attending graduate school in hopes that when they graduate the economy will have improved.
I just hope students understand that the jobs graduates got last year, won’t be there this year,” said Christina Burney, a career councilor at Stonehill College. “Seniors may be entering jobs as temps. We have less than half the number of entry jobs we had last year and not many businesses are taking part in college recruiting anymore.”
“I owe somewhere around $60,000. But my payments are deferred until I finish graduate school. Hopefully the job market will be better then,” said Connolly.
Connolly will not be alone in her endeavor.
“I am seriously considering grad school at this point,” said Jessica Peck, of Lakeville, a Stonehill senior. “I’m going to be stuck at a job I don’t want to be at anyways. I might as we ll further my education at night to better my chances at getting my dream job, if the economy improves.”
There has been an 18.87 percent increase in graduate applicants because of the failing economy, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“There are not enough jobs for college graduates right now,” said Eric Shelters of Middleboro, a Stonehill Junior, “you need a masters degree to win in this job hunt.”
Many students are in a tight position after graduation day. Some students fear that even with a college degree they could be forced into unemployment.
“I just want a job when I graduate,” said Totaro. “It scares me; I was planning on sending my resume to places that now have hiring freezes.”
The economic crisis may make many employers overlook qualified employees. Businesses, police departments, and college universities are all currently issuing hiring freezes, according to CIO magazine.
“Due to companies not being eager to hire as they were in the past, it is detrimental for students to network themselves and have an outstanding resume,” said Burney. “That is all we can suggest.”
Despite this many said a college education is worth it.
“Although it is tough right now for recent graduates, I think that the overall experience of going to college gives you a lot of experience in many different things. I think college teaches people to overcome obstacles and continue challenging themselves,” said Connolly
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