Graduates leave the job market

It is advised that students have a plan for life after graduation to determine if the career chosen will provide opportunities for advancement in the job market. According to an article on CNN’s website, “Young adults drop out of the job market,” there has been a major decline in the employment rate for young adults from the ages of 18-25 years old. This can be for many reasons, including laziness among this generation, lack of interest or lack of education. Nevertheless since August the unemployment rate has dropped 0.2 percent to 8.1 percent from 8.3 percent.
 Junior architecture major Georgette McNeil shared her view about why young adults may be struggling with jobs. She said, “We are so used to sitting around at home having our parents provide, there is no structure in place to where you learn the fundamentals of being independent. No one wants to work hard for the money and due to expenditures of school it’s easier to make ‘quick’ money rather than spend time in school working toward an actual career.”
 The Department of Labor only counts those with a job or actively looking for work as being in the labor force. If the number of people accounted for in the labor force falls faster than the number of people who say they have jobs this causes a major decrease in the unemployment rate.
 There are steps that can be taken to be proactive in job searches prior to graduation. Shadia Washington of Career Services said, “Number one I would say would be to make sure your GPA stays up because it is really competitive. So try and maintain a 3.0 or higher. Lastly try to get an internship. Put the textbook to work and get hands on experience. At graduation we do a survey on students who have had an internship and those who are finishing with a job and more often students leave without a job because they lack the experience.”
 Taking time to research companies of interest post-graduation, creating business cards, establishing a credible resume and maintaining a good grade point average are beneficial tips for students. Career Services assists students with the search and preparation of jobs.
Senior agriculture major Erica Blakemore has found inspiration to push herself to seek career opportunities.
“I made sure I got involved. My internship turned into a full time position after I graduate. I’m doing this for my child, he is my motivation,” Blakemore said.