Real-world security rattled by economy
Today’s stressful economic situation has caused many individuals in our society, especially upcoming college graduates, to feel pessimistic about the future. Many students have begun to wonder how the economy will prevent getting a position at their “dream job” and have become fearful they will not find any job at all.
“I think it makes the job market more competitive,” said senior Paul Basham, a rhetoric major. “Employers are going to have to limit the amount of people they hire, so they’re only going to hire the best. Seniors are in the position where they have to get their name out there in a lot of different places and make their name as attractive as possible.”
The question: “What is going to happen after graduation?” has entered many students’ minds, especially in such a competitive atmosphere where graduating from a four-year college might not be enough to succeed. When the economy was at its best, having a college diploma nearly ensured a reasonable job, but now with the economy being so rocky, how far will students have to go to be considered for a job?
“Since we don’t know what is going to hapen in the next seven or eight months, all seniors need to focus on getting their name out there and begin the application process as soon as possible,” Basham said.
Georgia Institute of Technology performed a study on job-search behavior about what some job seekers may suspect: The more effort people put into a job search, the more likely they are to find employment even in difficult economic times. Some personality traits that tend to positively affect a job-search are: optimism, extroversion, high self-esteem, and conscientiousness. While having a positive approach, it shows that someone is confident in what they want to pursue out of an occupation.
Jennifer Cash, assistant director of GCSU’s University Career Center, says an article in the National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Choices Magazine indicates opportunities for the class of 2009.
“The major is just one piece of the puzzle that employers are looking for,” Cash said. “It is important to be an overall rounded student, including skills such as communicative, well organized, and being able to work with technology.”
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (USBLS), of the 30 fastest growing occupations, 17 are health-related and ten are technology-related. Out of the ten categories that the USBLS divides jobs into, the top two categories are “professional”, which includes occupations such as health care workers or educators, and “service”, which includes police officers or cosmetologists. Occupations that have fallen are in construction, manufacturing and retail trade.
Making connections, establishing a good reputation and starting early are some essential key factors when considering a job-search. In a poor economy, chances of finding a job are much lower, but having an optimistic approach can win you over when you least expect it.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 10 2008. Filed under News.
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