It’s the holidays and no one knows that more than unemployed college grads who have little to cheer about this holiday season. An article in today’s New York Times noted that the unemployment rate for college grads under age 25 has averaged 9.2 percent, up from 8.8 percent a year earlier. It also suggests that many employed recent grads may be doing work that doesn’t require a college degree.
I made this point in an earlier posting, but perhaps people will pay more attention if I quote The New York Times, so here we go. “Even more disturbing, there is no guarantee that unemployed or underemployed college grads will move into much better jobs as conditions improve. Early bouts of joblessness, or starting in a lower-level job with lower pay, can mean lower levels of career attainment and earnings over a lifetime. Graduates who have been out of work or underemployed in the downturn may also find themselves at a competitive disadvantage with freshly minted college graduates as the economy improves.”
The best gift you can give an unemployed loved one or an underemployed child are the tools needed to successfully find work in any economy. Do not assume finding work has been taught at colleges, as schools could not have anticipated the slew of students who would be pouring into the placement offices.
For a limited time only (until December 31, 2010), I am offering an additional month of mentoring or coaching to people who sign up for my Job Search Program. This time can be used to help you successfully transition into your new role.
Traditionally we see hiring increase during the first and second quarters of the year. Shouldn’t the person they are hiring be you?
