It’s a tough time to be looking for a job, especially for those fresh out of college.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in June 2009, the unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds was nearly 18 percent, more than double that of 25- to 54-year-olds (8.5 percent) and workers over 54 (7 percent). Not only are the country’s unemployment woes hitting this age group harder than others, but the trend isn’t likely to reverse anytime soon.
A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that employers expect to hire 22 percent fewer new college graduates this year than they hired in 2008. Equally discouraging is recent data from the BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey shows that for every five job seekers, less than one job is available.
What does this grim news mean for new grads in East Tennessee? How are they coping as they face the worst job market in decades? Six area college graduates talk about their job search experiences and their outlook for the future.
n Graduated: University of Tennessee (Knoxville), May 2009 n Major: Child and Family Studies (Masters)
When asked about her dream job, Barr is quick to answer: “I can teach Pre-K through third grade, but I love working with preschoolers. My dream job would be in a preschool program in a public or private school.”
Currently Barr has a summer job working at Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend. If she does not have a teaching job by the end of summer, Barr hopes to gain experience by substituting for Knox County Schools this fall.
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