The economy is down, jobless rates are up and for those who are preparing to enter the workforce, the future looks bleak. In fact, not since 1980 has the job market looked this bad for college graduates and anxiety is running high among Connecticut's students.
Career counselors at several colleges are reporting an increased demand for their services, from both current students and recent graduates, the Waterbury Republican-American reports.
Many counselors said they are steering students toward industries expected to fare better in tough times, these include health care, high-tech and education.
College graduates likely will have an easier time finding jobs than those with no higher education. For students who don't mind taking on extra loans or can pay for it, there is the option of graduate school.
About 60 percent of the available jobs in Connecticut in the next 10 years will require a bachelor’s degree, the Norwich Bulletin reports.
Companies also are likely to start hiring more employees to replace the retiring baby boomers in the next few years.
At the end of January, the number of unemployment claims shot up more than 70 percent from the same time in 2008. They're up 2.9 percent since mid-January. There are 93,654 people filing for unemployment.
The most successful students will have to consider multiple options when searching for jobs.
John Beauregard, executive director of the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, told the Norwich Bulletin that that career search should look like more like a "lattice than a ladder."
Here are some tips to follow, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor:
- Network: Ask relatives, friends, professors, classmates and co-workers for advice and job leads.
- Research potential employers: as well as any current issues or developments in your desired field.
- Be prepared: Have a copy of your resume available at all times, and have fresh copies prepared in case you are called to an interview at the last minute.
- Practice for each interview: with a friend, relative or career services counselor.
- Prepare an "elevator speech": You never know who you’ll meet in an elevator, in line at the coffee shop or on the street. Know what your skills are and how to communicate them. You should be able to tell prospective employers and others you meet what you can offer.
And perhaps the most important piece of advice - don't get discouraged.
