Seniors graduating this year will get diplomas, but they may not get jobs. This just in from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), a professional group that forecasts trends in the job market. According to a recently released study by NACE, employers expect to hire 22 percent fewer graduates than they hired in 2008. Click here to read Workforce Magazine.
So here's my advice to those who are graduating in 2009:
Keep things in perspective. We've been through recessions before and eventually this too shall pass. In the mean time, if you have an opportunity to continue your education then do so. Maybe by the time you finish grad school the employment outlook will have improved.
Take what we used to call an entry-level job if it's offered to you. You will have an opportunity to see how a company runs from the bottom. Not a bad thing if you plan on running your own company one day.
Don't even think about asking where your office will be located. Smile and say thank you when you are escorted to your cube.
Be open to adjusting your social schedule. Yes, your friends may have been able to leave the office in time to make yoga class but that was last year. This year they may be teaching the yoga class. Stay at work until you've exceeded your bosses expectations. This will help to ensure you have a job tomorrow.
Lastly, if you haven't had a chance to introduce yourself to the people in the career placement office yet then run (notice how I didn't say walk) across campus to do so. The people who will get the most help are the people who they know.
Yes, hiring will be down significantly but this doesn't mean every college grad will leave school without a job. Quite the contrary.
