Summer is almost here. The temperature outside is rising, but with the daunting approach of finals and graduation, so is the stress level of Virginia Tech students. The last week of classes and an intimidating schedule of cumulative exams, some as early as 7:45 a.m. in the morning (Who can even think that early?) are quickly drawing near. But for the Class of 2009, the job search is adding to the normal pull-your-hair-out tension of the end of spring semester.
In the current recession, full-time jobs are not only more competitive but so are internships and graduate schools. The unemployment rate is currently at 9 percent, and some large companies are shedding as much as 10 percent of their workforces. There will be many new job hunters this year, with 1.5 million new college graduates entering the work force as the job growth rate falls to 1.3 percent, the lowest in six years. Even the number of online job postings is decreasing at a rate of 13 percent, which means there are about 3.3 online job seekers for every opening.
These statistics are hard to swallow, and have proven true in the lives of my fellow graduates. I have had the "Do you have a job?" conversation way too many times this spring, many times ending in the disappointing answer of "no" followed by "me neither."
Paid internships are falling through because companies can barely afford to pay their regular staff. Many accomplished graduates are leaving Blacksburg unsure of the future and where to turn next.
The only thing I can say is to stick with it. Seniors are entering the real world during a tough time, and they unfortunately may have to hang out at home with Mom and Dad for a little longer than originally planned. I admit, as I look back over my college education, I try to pinpoint what I have learned, what skills will help me get started in this tough job market.
Yes, I have figured out how to write a research paper the day before it's due. I can pull off a pretty stellar PowerPoint presentation. My writing has improved, and my thinking has been stimulated. But when it comes down to it, much of what I have learned in college has been outside the classroom.
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