recent grads in this economy

[Anonymous]

I'm a recent grad from a respected college trying to get a good first job. If there are any other recent grads having a hard time finding perm work please share your own experience and what your strategy is and how you keep up energy at a time like this.

[ailad]

I FEEL your pain. All we can do is keep trying for job openings and hope the economy will pick up soon.

[Katy]

It's tough, I understand. I graduated with a double major in economics and political science from IU in 2000. I know a lot of people that were not lucky enough to graduate when the economy was sound. Most of them found jobs through friends and family contacts. I suggest that you find a part time "brainless" job just to keep you occupied while you are interviewing. A lot of my friends have done this (one even was a car salesman with a college degree) until they found something they wanted to do. You just have to occupy your time otherwise you will easily get frustrated. Have you tried a recruiting firm? My sister just got placed in a great job with a recruiter after 6 months of looking on her own. Within a week, she had 5 interviews, and now she is happily employed. Good luck and keep your chin up.

[S]

I earned a master's degree in August of 2000 and still have not found a job. If I had tried to enter the workforce after receiving my BA, when the economy was still strong, I probably would be employed now.

Apparently my strategies aren't working, but I can tell you that I spend most of my day searching jobs boards of all shapes and sizes, attending job fairs and career seminars, working with an advisor, calling everyone I've ever met, and meeting with people who don't have any openings on the off chance I'll impress them so much they have to make room for me. As for maintaining morale, I don't think it's possible. The economy may be to blame, but that doesn't do my self-confidence any good when I'm rejected yet again, and it doesn't cheer me up when I'm sick and I can't afford a doctor's visit. Suggestions would be appreciated. /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif