Monday, June 29, 2009
The process of starting over
There is hope, always a light at the end of the tunnel.
While the following link is to an article not necessarily geared at the recent graduate, it still has its significance to those of us who fit that category. It's worth taking a look at.
Rise of the 40-something intern.
Headline reads...'College grads raise Jacksonville unemployment rate.'
Across the country we continue to see unemployment levels rise, as students continue to complete their university studies and set out to find that 'dream' job that no longer exists.
This article reported:
"With college seniors graduating in early May, an increase in the unemployment rate was not a surprise.
"There are a large number of graduates who entered the labor force and haven't found jobs," said Paul Mason, economist at the University of North Florida."
To continue to read the full article, click here.
We want to hear from you, please comment on the conditions of the economy and how it may be affecting you or someone you know.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Two Words For Your Recession Lexicon: Mal Employment & Prelancing
It may be tempting to find any job that can get you by. However, the decision to do that now might impact your earnings potential down the road. This article written a month ago in the Wall Street Journal shows that the unlucky class of 2009 grads are not just suffering now, that bad luck is likely to have consequences for years. Be sure to click on the interactive graphs, it's alarming:
It may be necessary to take that job that is below your education level or outside your intended career so that you can pay back those student loans and generally make ends meet, but don't get complacent.
Graduates who find themselves in this situation should keep looking for a suitable career, even if that means volunteering their time for a non-profit to get valuable experience and references. Or from Thursday's Wall Street Journal blog, another option--Prelancing.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Your Grad Life is on Twitter
Monday, June 15, 2009
What challenges do you face in finding a job/career?
What are some helpful hints? This quote came from the IAEW, International Association for Employment Websites:
Don't be afraid all; there are ways around the potholes. Use what is available to you. Don't pass up any opportunity, even if you think it's not good enough. Let us know about how you overcame the obstacles, there are many just like you who could benefit from your advice.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Hey look! Jobs!
At least there's one place in America that's wearing like Teflon through the recession: Washington, D.C. Most corners of the economy may be struggling, but in the nation's capital it's boom times, baby.
There are a few advantages in working for the government, including job security, and good pay and benefits.
For a young professional, there is something even more valuable. While performance is important, profits are not a primary motive for most government organizations. Because of this, young professionals are more likely to be able to develop their talents in lower stress situations.
And, as the above article points out, the government is adding jobs, while the rest of the economy is shedding them.
To see what types of jobs are out there, go to usajobs.gov.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Jobs for young grads, o wait there aren't any.
"The jobless rate for workers under 27 years old with a bachelor’s degree or higher averaged 5.9% in March-April, the second-highest in modern history, reports the Economic Policy Institute. The highest unemployment rate among young college grads was in 1983 when it reached 6.2%, based on records dating back to 1979."
To continue reading the article click here.
To read a report done by the Economic Policy Institute click here.
I guess you could say...
I guess you could say that we at Your Grad Life want to know about how these types of headlines affect you: Reed College, in need, closes a door to needy students.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thanks for nothing, Mom & Dad
As the global recession has gotten worse and shown more and more signs that it will be here for some time to come, it's understandable for those who have graduated in the past year to feel like fate has sucker-punched them.
Having worked hard to get a degree, many graduates are finding it difficult to find a job, much less a promising job in their field of choice. The fresh graduating class didn't do anything to cause the economy to shrink and the unemployment rate to rise, but are among the hardest hit. Add to that the feeling that having done the "right" thing by going to school, and being unable to see the reward, it's almost natural to look around for somebody to blame.
Douglas Belkin, in a June 10, 2009 Wall Street Journal article finds a scapegoat--Baby Boomers. At least a few who spoke at spring 2009 commencement ceremonies were willing to take the heat, offering a big mea culpa on behalf of their entire generation. (Click on the text to link to the full article).
This attitude can't be very helpful. Graduates who buy into this apology are just buying into a narcissistic world view created by the Baby Boomers. They know they created much of the wealth and technology we enjoy today, but they also think that it was something they did to cause this downturn.
In reality, recessions happen pretty regularly, and we were due. Globalization is happening rapidly, creating new economic challenges and competition. Are American Baby Boomers solely responsible for that? Are they responsible for terrorism, the wars we are fighting, and other global unrest that strains US resources?
Regardless, efforts are better spent looking forward than assigning blame.
Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt offers this bit of optimism in the June 2009 issue of Esquire Magazine:
"Today's a great time to be any creative type of person, I think, and in just about every aspet of creativity, this generation is going to blow away every generation ever. Because we're the first ones with the Internet."He may have a point. Recessions are always incubators of creativity. Think about all the people with dead-end jobs or no jobs at all daydreaming and starting to formulate new ways of doing things or new products to create. This graduating class has the benefit of interacting and sharing those ideas with millions around the globe thanks to modern technology. The creativity unleashed when this recession ends will be exciting to see.This generation is better served developing those creative talents and finding ways to use the skills learned in college instead of looking for a generation to blame--even when we have their permission.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Welcome to Your Grad Life!
The Grad Life concept is meant to shine some light on those who are close to graduating, have already graduated, and those who are now trying to make it in the tough job market. This blog is for you! We encourage ideas and experiences as we feel they will benefit someone somewhere who is dealing with the same if not similar situation. Join us in helping to establish this large network of peers and colleagues!
Everything posted and or added to Your Grad Life is strictly to benefit the curious grad. It is in no way intended to enforce the opinions of ideals of the organization, as we encourage respect and honesty.
What are you doing? How are you doing? How can we help?
"Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?"-Bob Marley