http://www.statenews.com Graduating seniors might be heading into the “perfect storm” this May as they enter the job market. That’s what Philip Gardner, director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at MSU, said he fears for the spring 2009 graduating class. en-us Gryphon 2.2.3b-tsn (woodward)/Foundry5 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:08:26 -0400 webmaster@statenews.com http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37562 This article is so true. I just graduated this past December with a B.A. in SRP from JMC and the job market is so tough right now. A major problem is that in government fields a lot of people have been put out of a job because of term limits in Michigan, so someone who has had the position with a former Rep is going to get the job with a new one over someone who hasn’t had that experience. Even someone with years and years of political experience like myself is hurting to find work in this economy. I heard on quite a few talk shows in a row that experts say it takes a college grad an average of 3 to 6 months to find that first good job after graduating, but in this economy it’s going to be 9 to 12 months, at a minimum. My advice…start looking now juniors… Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:39:31 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37562 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37567 I agree with the article and the previous comment. Graduated almost 5 months ago and I get the same response “we just can’t hire anyone right now” everytime I network with people. Not looking forward to May when another group of grads enters the job hunt with me. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:56:47 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37567 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37570 During my short life I have come to the conclusion that the only way to succeed in this world in these times is by being individualistic, in a sense. By this I mean that, today more than ever, the entrepreneurial thinking is essential. The days of expecting to work full time for the government or expecting that there will be a space for you in a company are over. In a sense this is something that the economy is forcing to happen but, on the other hand, I consider that this is inevitable. Successful individuals handle themselves as a corporation and do not expect to be part of a corporation. So, for those that are unemployed, I encourage them to embrace this mentality. Its not that we are not allowed to work in groups any more, but the opposite. We need to be individuals and look for our own prosperity to then lead the rest. I have to say that you don’t have to be a business major to do this. In fact, I would say that business majors are the ones that, from all the majors, expect to work for someone and are not as individualistic. Well, we all have to change our thoughts and make them happen for ourselves. Why work for the government? Solution: Set up a consulting firm. Why be unemployed as a business major? Solution: Create your own business or set up you management firm. There is no reason to be unemployed due to all the resources available. From setting up franchises to creating your own business, you just need a little creativity. And, the most important qualities of all: vision. Some people get things done but they don’t see why they do them. Some people don’t do things at all. But the important thing is to give purpose to the things you get done by envisioning were you want to go and what you want to accomplish. Just remember that all those big corporations were just small business a couple of years ago… Good luck! GO GREEN!! Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:16:25 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37570 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37577 Current Student, Thanks for the completely un-realistic advice. “Setup a consulting firm”?? “Setup a management firm”? As if a 22-year old graduating undergrad will have the skills and knowledge to “consult” is obviously a non-starter. Also, FYI: “Franchising” costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Good luck starting your Dunkin Donuts chain with $50, when the company demands over $100G in liquid assets. A word of advice to those graduating: Move out of Michigan to a big city. Chicago, ATL, San Fransisco, NYC, Boston, ect. The availability of jobs will increase 10-fold. Staying in Michigan searching for a job is not smart when there is a 12% unemployment rate. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:20:44 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37577 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37580 Wow, you’re advice was pretty lousy also (not to mention everybody already knows that they should get the hell out of MI to find a job). Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:35:22 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37580 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37581 And before people jump down my throat, it’s “your” Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:35:50 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37581 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37587 I wish someone would investigate the number of under-employed in the state of michigan. Underemployed. All of the individuals who have higher education but are not collecting unemployment, or who are working but earning less than the national average for someone with equal education and skill set. For example. I met a young man the other day who had an undergraduate degree in biology but was working in the paint department at Meijer. Many students can not afford to stay in Michigan when you take into account the cost of student loan payments and the under-employment rate. The only advice I can give to graduating seniors is to hang in there. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:06:55 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37587 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37674 It’s really not the most difficult thing in the world to find a job. Just apply yourself and go above and beyone what other people do to get a job. Go into businesses in person and physically hand them your resume, don’t just email it. Make an impression. Make yourself unforgettable. Times are tough, but not impossible. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:18:32 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37674 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37687 When most companies have hiring freezes and there are millions of laid-off people and new graduates entering the workforce, times are beyond tough. Don’t act like it’s that easy as going in person and showing a little initiative. That’s what one had to do before the economic crisis started to get a job. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:24:41 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37687 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37958 The cliche “perfect storm” was beaten dead years ago. Quit using it already! Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:56:16 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37958 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37963 Hey jackass, try telling that to the 8.5% of the workforce who is currently unemployed. FYI, that’s the highest rate since 1983. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:08:26 -0400 http://www.statenews.com/index.php/comment/view/37963