Uncertain future for college grads

*Editor's Note: All sources chose to remain anonymous due to possible conflict of interest issues*

Whoever said that high school is the greatest years of your life has obviously never been to college. New found freedom and hope for the future are two benefits of college life. Unfortunately for graduating seniors, many will be left wishing they were still in school rather than unemployed. Three Fredonia professors gave their input on the job outlook in a recent interview with The Leader.

"Generally I don't think [the job market] is as bad as many parents and students are making it out to be," one professor close to the situation said. "On the other hand for educators, high school teachers in particular, this is the worst I have ever seen it."

Fredonia is known for its education and arts departments. This means that the majority of graduates will be facing a bleak employment outlook.

"The economy has hit everyone hard but the arts have taken an immense hit," a professor from within the arts department said. "Discretionary income is down so the market for performers is down as a result. It is hard to imagine that this trend will change by the time this year's graduates hit the market."

The current national unemployment rate is 8.8 percent. While high, this number is much better than the 10 percent rate of a year ago. Here in New York the rate is 8% and has been dropping steadily as of late. Hopefully this is a sign that the worst is over.

With a shrinking job market the competition for jobs has increased. Students should be aware that now, more than ever, their GPA and outside activities may be the difference between them or the next student.

Education and the arts are not the only markets suffering during these tough times. Communication majors will also be feeling the effects of the market upon graduation. Newspapers and media outlets are scrambling to find ways to keep profits and quality up while using a smaller staff.

"Convergence is the name of the game," one communications professor said. "The days of a reporter who just writes are over. In order to even be considered these days, students must be able to write, shoot video, take photos, edit video and audio, upload material to the internet and many other tasks that used to be done by multiple specialists."

Doing more with less is a situation faced by many of businesses. Employees that can do the jobs of multiple people will have top priority in today's job market.

Unfortunately many feel that college was a waste of time and money if they don't get a job in their field immediately after graduation. This certainly is not the case.

"We need to let students know that they are still getting a quality education," said another professor. "It may be a year or it may be two years longer than they anticipated before they land a job but eventually they will."

Another option for graduating students is to look outside of Western New York for employment.

"Go where the jobs are and don't be afraid to explore the country," one professor suggests. "If you have family in the area they will always be there for you to come back to."

Graduating seniors will be faced with many tough decisions in the coming months. Some will land jobs right out of college while others may have to wait a couple of years to get their opportunity. No matter which side of the fence you land on one thing will be certain: college was the greatest time of your life. Don't be in a hurry to leave it.