Lots of Grads, Few Jobs

The National Association of Colleges and Employers has reported that employers nationwide are planning to hire only 1.3% more college grads in '09 than they did in '08. When surveyed in August 2008, the same association had predicted a 6.1% increase in new hires. Yow-za!
This year, colleges and universities are projected to graduate 1,585,000 students with bachelor's degrees (up from 1,506,000 in 2005-06).

If you are a soon-to-be college grad, here are some ideas to help you get a job in tough economic times:

• Secure an internship now, if possible.


• Volunteer for an organization while you are still in college...this may lead to a job opportunity when you graduate in May. At the very least, you will have the opportunity to network with professionals you may not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet.


• Join a professional club or other networking organization.


• Get your resume together (make sure you're documenting all of those awards & accomplishments)!


• Graduate school (many schools offer online and evening classes should you be one of the many who must work AND attend college).

If you are a soon-to-be high school grad, here are some ideas to help you get into college in tough economic times:

• Attend your local community college. Stay close to home and save money!


• Apply to public colleges/universities. The sticker price of your education will be substantially less.


• Research private schools with mega-super-sized endowments (as many private schools are eliminating all need based loans).


• Save as much money as possible. If you can't seem to land a job, mow lawns, clean houses, rake leaves, shovel snow, and/or babysit to get some extra dough. This will not only add some sound experience to your admission application, but will help pad your wallet a little for those inevitable expenses.

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