[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I didn't read your entire post but wanted to respond to this part. Pardon me if I say something you already said.

They are surprised because there are many grads with BAs, MAs, PHDs and so forth who have found jobs. The key is to not get sidetracked with what everyone says about the economy and the job market, and not to let "venting" get in the way of a positive and open minded outlook.

You have to know what you're realistically looking for and what you're willing to accept if you can't find exactly what you're looking for. Another key is to understand that beginning your longterm CAREER doesn't mean that the JOB that you find has to be the one that you're in forever. It could be a good start until you find the next place your career will take you.

Also, not to sound snooty (), but beginning a serious job search in February 2010 when you know you're graduating in May 2010 wasn't smart. I advise people to put their ear to the ground to listen for any career leads as soon as possible and to seriously begin the job search at least a year before graduating. Afterall, graduation is one of the many things that doesn't just spring on you. You know it's coming and can plan accordingly.

For instance, some of us are surrounded by professionals in our daily personal/private, social and business interactions. People would be fools if they didn't carry a business card or find other ways to network at a sorority function, a community service event, or an event like a gala. There are companies that send emails to employees about jobs to send their friends and families. In other words, there ARE jobs out there and someone WILL BE getting those jobs. The jobs may not be in your field or career interest, but this means that things are not as hopeless for EVERYONE. The unemployment rates are the way they are for a number of reasons and not just because the job market is sparse and competitive.

This!

I find that when some people are looking for a job, they see it as negative/embarrassing/etc. and don't share with their friends/family/sisters etc. that they are on the job hunt. It's not fun to tell people, but you never know who knows about an opening in your field.

Even if your internship sites are unable to hire you now, keep in contact with someone at those places. You never know when they might have something open.

Example: After I graduated in December, I kept volunteering at my internship site. Eventually, there was a job opening. Because I was still volunteering and keeping in touch, I was able to get the posting internally (before they made it public). I ended up getting the job! It's not my dream job but it's valuable experience in my field.