For some students reality is starting to set in. Within six months of graduation they will have to start paying back school loans, but the toughest obstacle will be finding a job that is willing to help students in this ailing economy.

In the current economy not only are unemployment rates rising, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the national unemployment rate rose from 8.1 to 8.5 percent in March with California’s unemployment at 10.5 percent, but jobs are now raising the expectations they have for people looking for a place in their companies.

‘In the professional workforce, employers are looking for someone who is reliable, dependable and multi-talented,’ said Julio Flores, radio personality, technical producer, and editor at Fox Sports Radio. ‘It’s important to learn different tasks because those who can wear many different hats will be the ones most used and retained in cutbacks.’

Not only is there a decline in job availability, recent graduates must compete with experienced professionals that have seniority over entry-level employees.

Because of these difficulties students have either lowered their expectations or graduate with fear of rejection.

Senior sociology major Cary Dove, 23, is graduating and has been promised better opportunities within the company he currently works for once he obtains his degree but has watched entry-level employees suffer due to the economy.

‘Most graduating students will face job availability obstacles because very few fields are not experiencing cutbacks and layoffs,’ said Dove. ‘People who are being laid off are happily accepting lower paying jobs as their option while others are left jobless.’

Myeisha Shanae, 24, psychology major said she is not expecting to obtain a job right after she graduates. Although she will further her education by attending graduate school she still fears that she will not find a job that pays well despite the degrees she will earn.

During this difficult economic time, majors as well as resources on campus are preparing students by conducting events to help students once they graduate.

Assistant Director of the Senior Year Transition and Employment Programs at the Career Center, Patricia Gaynor, said the state of today’s economy should not discourage students.

‘Before graduating, students should take advantage of the services available to them. For instance, in the upcoming months the Career Center has a Spring Job Fair for the campus along with the valuable Resumania and a new event, Interview Frenzy,’ Gaynor said. ‘Specific to seniors there will be a Graduate Job Fair, Real Life 101 and Boot Camp for seniors. All these events will be addressing ways to deal with these difficult times.’

Not only will these events be a necessity in assisting graduating students but applying for internships and networking will be crucial.

‘Networking is extremely important, and students should start immediately,’ Flores said. ‘In many businesses everybody knows everybody and if they don’t know you, they know somebody who knows you, your reputation precedes you.’

Dove said starting an internship early helps prepare students for what a job is really like. He has seen several interns change major because they were not satisfied.

Despite the financial cutbacks, Gaynor said students should not give up or lose their enthusiasm; she said students should be more patient and open-minded when it comes to job hunting.

‘Don’t be hesitant to let everyone know that you are available and seeking employment. If possible, try to land something in a related field or a position that will provide you with important training and obtaining essential skills,’ said Gaynor. ‘Part-time and temporary jobs are always a good alternative. They can serve as another means of networking, gaining new skills and being exposed to different industries.’

Adding that students should to keep their minds off negativity, recommendations have been made that students should take a vacation, join an organization or go to graduate school.

But the last thing a student should do is give up, Gaynor said, staying positive will help students make the right decision in the long run.

For more information on Career Center events students can visit their Web site www.csun.edu/career for dates and times.
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