Crippling economy affects senior job outlook

Many Americans are inevitably accepting the reality that our country is in a severe economic crisis, as house foreclosures, stimulus packages and job lay offs consistently overflow the headlines of major media outlets. College students, especially seniors, are facing the dilemma of pursuing a career in the dwindling job market. Senior Katy Wynn explains the frustration that the economy has caused graduating students.

"The economy is forcing us to realize that beggars cannot be choosers; although many of us began Furman with ideal dream careers, the current job market does not grant us the freedom to be extremely selective," Wynn said.

Wynn, a business major, aspires to eventually work for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in Los Angeles; however, she is fortunate to receive a recent job offer in Greenville.

Wynn said, "With graduation only a few months away, the need for businesses to hire immediately is a point of frustration for seniors who are currently searching."

As a business major, Wynn is "coming at the ladder of success at all directions" by getting to know the right people and staying positive.

Senior Kathy Vermillion utilized networking as a helpful tool during her job search as an accounting major. As a member of the Student Alumni Council (SAC), Vermillion contacted alumni that helped her broaden her fields of interest.

"The economy has resulted in fewer job positions and a strength in competition," Vermillion said. "I have learned to be persistent and accept the fact that everyone starts out somewhere, even if it is not where you expected."

Lindsay Lark, a senior communication studies major, explains that her attempts to apply to companies have been counteracted by hiring freezes that prohibit businesses from hiring anyone. Lark has fortunately found one company with openings, and advises undergraduates to take advantage of the career search opportunities that Furman offers.

"It's all about the students' initiative. You get out what you put in," she said.

Asian studies major Phillip Martin plans to volunteer at businesses over the summer in hopes of gaining experience and contacts for future recommendation letters. Martin has had several internships and was offered an unpaid internship enriched with experience in China. Unfortunately, the burden of the cost outweighed the possibility of the experience.

Nevertheless, Martin is waiting to hear from an opportunity to teach in Japan. Martin started searching for jobs in October and is proactively talking to alumni, applying to Internet job sites and setting up interviews. Director of Career Services, John Barker, advises seniors to start early.

"Far too often students procrastinate," Barker said. "Sixty-eight percent of jobs are acquired by networking."

Barker highlighted the effect of the economy on Furman students by tracing the decline in the percentage of expectancy for seniors to find jobs after graduation. According to Barker, the initial expectancy increased 6.1% and was revised in the fall with a level-hiring rate without an increase or a decrease. The expectancy was recently revised to show a 22% decrease.

Although these numbers appear to be drastic, Barker encourages students not to panic. Over the past five years, the percentages have shown double digit increases; the present statistics only seem low compared to the overly impressive figures in the past.

"The media succeeds in portraying the economic situation as more dramatic and devastating than it actually is," Barker said.

The current unemployment rate for an individual with a four-year degree from a college or university is at a low 3.2%. Barker states his optimism for the senior class with ease.

"Furman is more successful at preparing students for the job market than most colleges. We admit bright, overly ambitious and intelligent individuals as freshmen who graduate with the same ambition, intelligence and personal drive that attract employers," he said.

The Career Services office is available for all students to take advantage of, and is located upstairs in the University Center.