With the media propagating statistics on layoffs, bankruptcies, and job to job-seeker ratios, students have many reasons to be concerned about where their futures are heading in this recession.
Additionally, the Department of Labor Statistics reports national unemployment rates are at 9.5 percent, more than double last year’s rate. The unemployment rate for North Carolina is above the national average at 10.7 percent.
Many students have already felt the effects of the failing economy and are anxious about their own prospective careers.
Sara Taorrmina, a sophomore in math education, said the future is very uncertain. Her father recently lost his job after 10 years of employment.
“It definitely hits home for students to know even higher positions or more experienced employees have no job security,” Taorrmina said.
Students like Taylor Nelson, a sophomore in international studies, are worried about having to exit college and enter the job market in such poor economic times.
“It’s worrisome that we’re in college during this poor economy,” Nelson said. “It’s stressful trying to figure out what to do with your life after college. There aren’t a lot of opportunities, especially with lots of people already losing their jobs.”
Nelson said the best idea for students to try and beat the poor economy is to make sure they are active in pursuing their career opportunities.
“Networking helps the most,” Nelson said. “Let people know you’re out there. The more people you meet the easier it is to find a job.”
Ashley Hibbard, an alumna in post baccalaur studies, entered her career through an internship before the economy began fall.
“It wasn’t very hard [back then] but now students are going to have a hard time finding a job,” Hibbard said. “Not a lot of people are hiring and it’s hard to say if it’s going to improve, especially since people are still getting laid off.”
Other students are not as concerned because of the specific sectors they plan to enter after college.
Chris Mattox, a freshman in environmental engineering, said there is enough demand for his job area for him not to be worried and if all else fails the government is always hiring.
Mattox did recognize the situation other students may be in.
“Students will be in trouble if they can’t find a career, especially if they’re in a lot of debt,” he said. “That’s not to say it’s hopeless, it depends on how prepared people are. There’s always a turnaround in industry and whoever is at the top will get the job.”
Carol Schroeder, director of the University Career Center, encourages students not to be intimidated by the downed economy.
“Nothing is recession-proof,” Schroeder said. “But it’s not what’s happening to others that’s important, it’s what’s happening to you and what you do to prepare yourself.”
Schroeder said it was misleading to say there are no jobs out there for students and students should always try to pursue what they are passionate about.
“We know retail is down but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go in to retail,” Schroeder said. “People retire and employers need to fill future gaps in a process called succession planning. Employers are always looking for new talent.”