2010 Grads & the Job Market

[lovespink88]

Littleowl, I'm in the same position as you. I had three internships related to my field and a pretty good GPA (Admittedly, I wouldn't say that it's great, although it was good enough that I was accepted into an honors society in my field). I started looking seriously in December 2009 and started applying January '10. I've sent out roughly 40-45 applications (which doesn't seem like that much considering it's been over 5 months, but hey, finishing undergrad got in the way lol) and have had 5 interviews. I got one offer for an "internship" (and I put quotes around that for a reason), but I turned it down because I had to let them know in early March about my decision. Honestly, it would not have been as impressive on my resume compared to my other experience, and I assumed I would find something better suited for me. Now I wish I would have taken it just so that I could be making money over the summer.

Originally Posted by DrPhil

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.

I agree that networking and beginning the search as soon as possible is a great idea. However, as far as applying this might be one of those things that varies depending on the field. Obviously I don't have a job, so I wouldn't know for sure, but I only say this because of something I experienced during my job hunt:

There were two firms that I applied to in February 2010. I attended a career fair in very late March, and at the fair, these two companies were present. As I talked to them, I found out that I actually submitted my application too early--they were not yet looking at applications for May 2010 grads in February. So in that case, applying those jobs early was I mistake. Luckily, they accepted my resume in person at the career fair.

Of course different companies in different industries all do it their own way, but this is just something that happened to me. Also, at the career fair, most of the companies there were only offering internships (many of which I didn't qualify for since they only offered school credit). I must have heard "we never really know when we'll be having another full time opening, so please check back often" about 30 times.

Anyways, littleowl, I feel your pain. I am fortunate that my parents are not kicking me out of the house, and that I can live here while I find a job and save up money. But it certainly is discouraging. The thing that keeps me optimistic is that I seem to keep finding opportunities and places to apply in places where I wasn't expecting...even if they haven't led to anything, it gives me hope that I am going to find SOMETHING.

[als463]

Okay, first of all-you are graduating from one of the finest institutions in the United States! Second of all-you have been very involved in Greek Life, proving you were willing to give back to the community (IMHO).

The job search can suck. This is true. The best advice I can give you is that you have to be willing to take a job that you might normally feel is beneath you in order to find the job you want or love. When I graduated from Penn State with 3 degrees and a minor, preparing to work on my M.Ed., I actually applied (and got hired) to work as a Manager at Wendy's. I'm NOT kidding. Thankfully, during my spring break that semester before graduating, I had taken a trip to Harrisburg and took any and every Civil Service test I qualified for. I was hired as a Caseworker a few weeks out of school and never had to actually work at Wendy's.

The pay was horrible. To be honest, I ended up leaving after a few months to pursue my M.Ed. full-time because it was actually cheaper for me to be a full-time student working part-time than it was for me to be a part-time student working full-time. I have had much more luck since then finding jobs that paid double what I was getting as a Caseworker and I love the people! You can do it! Just keep your chin up!

[AnotherKD]

There was a guy about a year ago in DC who would dress up in a suit, every day, stand at a metro station downtown, and just hand resumes out. They did a story on him in the WP. Not saying you should do that.

Yes, there are a lot of recent grads from every level that are looking for jobs. I know of a lawyer who returned from doing a competitive clerkship in CA in September and still hasn't found anything. It's bad everywhere.

My advice is to sign up with a temp agency. You will definitely have the skills required (typing, etc) and it's at least something to do that is most likely on a part-time basis while you look for something permanent. It could possibly lead you to something where you are placed, and it'll give you a bit of experience that you say you don't have.