2010 Grads & the Job Market

[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.

[littleowl33]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I honestly appreciate it. I have certainly made some mistakes - and I definitely wish I had started earlier. I think this is my problem (and I take full responsibility for it): this is the first big thing I've had to do on my own in my life, and I didn't prepare myself. I think a lot of my friends and I expected to work hard, have a fun senior year, graduate, and find a great job right off the bat. Obviously that's not how it works, but I don't think I ever got the low-down on how to make it happen. I didn't seek out advice on how to network or job-hunt, and I thought I was ahead of the game by starting in the beginning of February (to be fair, a significant number of my friends didn't start until late March/early April). The advice I got from adults and co-workers at my current student job was to do things the way I've done them (start in early February and network like hell) but it hasn't been working, partially because the people I've been networking with are finding the same thing - very few job openings, and reluctance to hire a recent grad despite them putting in a good word. I wish I could go back to the littleowl of yesteryear and tell her to get things rolling sooner, but that's just not possible.

I think the other things contributing to my lack of networking and late start are that a) until about December I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and b) I had no idea where I was going (as I mentioned before I don't have much flexibility regarding location, and while I knew my options I didn't find out where I was definitely going until late April). I don't have any aversion to doing menial or hourly work (I scooped poop at a kennel every weekend all through high school!), but my issue right now is benefits. Without getting too personal, I absolutely need to have health insurance and I have about 6 months before I'm kicked off my parents'. So, I'm perfectly willing to do internships, volunteer work or jobs without benefits, but I have a deadline for finding work with benefits. In any event, those are the kind of things I'm looking into now. I believe something will eventually turn up, but in the mean time it's causing a lot of anxiety.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by littleowl33

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I honestly appreciate it. I have certainly made some mistakes - and I definitely wish I had started earlier. I think this is my problem (and I take full responsibility for it): this is the first big thing I've had to do on my own in my life, and I didn't prepare myself. I think a lot of my friends and I expected to work hard, have a fun senior year, graduate, and find a great job right off the bat. Obviously that's not how it works, but I don't think I ever got the low-down on how to make it happen. I didn't seek out advice on how to network or job-hunt, and I thought I was ahead of the game by starting in the beginning of February (to be fair, a significant number of my friends didn't start until late March/early April). The advice I got from adults and co-workers at my current student job was to do things the way I've done them (start in early February and network like hell) but it hasn't been working, partially because the people I've been networking with are finding the same thing - very few job openings, and reluctance to hire a recent grad despite them putting in a good word. I wish I could go back to the littleowl of yesteryear and tell her to get things rolling sooner, but that's just not possible.

I think the other things contributing to my lack of networking and late start are that a) until about December I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and b) I had no idea where I was going (as I mentioned before I don't have much flexibility regarding location, and while I knew my options I didn't find out where I was definitely going until late April). I don't have any aversion to doing menial or hourly work (I scooped poop at a kennel every weekend all through high school!), but my issue right now is benefits. Without getting too personal, I absolutely need to have health insurance and I have about 6 months before I'm kicked off my parents'. So, I'm perfectly willing to do internships, volunteer work or jobs without benefits, but I have a deadline for finding work with benefits. In any event, those are the kind of things I'm looking into now. I believe something will eventually turn up, but in the mean time it's causing a lot of anxiety.

Check and see if you fall into the category that will be able to stay on your parents insurance because of changes due to the new health care bill.

One thing I noticed about your first post was that you said you had to live where you are. Why? I think the worst thing to do when you are looking for a job in a specific field is to tether yourself to a specific area. If you are in desperate need of a job, open your net as far as you can. Be prepared to interview far and wide. If you are staying in a certain area for a boyfriend, ask yourself, is this the relationship that will lead to marriage? If not, then ask yourself, is this a relationship worth risking being unemployed, uninsured and dirt poor for? Long distance relationships can and do work if both parties want them to work. Your career is an important part of your self-worth and getting a good job is something you should take seriously. Good luck!

[AlwaysSAI]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Check and see if you fall into the category that will be able to stay on your parents insurance because of changes due to the new health care bill.

I've been reluctant to respond here because I had no trouble finding a job when I graduated in 2009. And, just found out last week that my county renewed my contract for 2010-2011. I do teach special ed which I know had something to do with it.

Anyway, I was going to say--I'm pretty sure that now, under a new law (it may be the new health care bill), that a dependent can stay on the parent's insurance as long as they are unemployed or in school until they are 26. My parents looked into it last summer because if I lapse, I'll never get coverage again. Have your folks call their companies, but I would bet that is the case.

Best of luck! And, keep us posted!