For some students, life after graduation can seem rather blissful. For others, it can be viewed as downright dreadful. It is no secret that America is suffering from economic woes, and while Barack Obama, the nation’s commander-in-chief, has promised things will improve in 2010, some students say they are worried about life post graduation.
Adolphus Thompson is one such student. A native of Miami, Thompson, 21, says he isn’t quite ready to graduate and would be scared if he had to find a job.
“I thought the economy was becoming better, but people are still without jobs and are still losing jobs,” said Thompson, a senior double majoring in political science and philosophy.
“This is something I’m really not ready to get into after I graduate.”
To avoid dealing with the poor financial state of the economy, Thompson has come up with a sure fire plan – he’ll simply get another degree.
“I plan on going to law school after I graduate to avoid the stress,” he said. “If I were looking for a job after I received my bachelor’s, I would be terrified.”
Across the train tracks at Florida State University, students are also feeling worried about the job market. Among them is Richard Stokes.
Stokes, 32, a senior majoring in English education, said that graduating is kind of scary considering the current job market.
“I think it’s kind of scary,” he said. “I am uncertain what lies ahead. As an English major, the job market in the state of Florida is practically non-existent and I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I will have to leave the state to find employment.”
Stokes, who hails from Wauchula, Fla., said he plans on teaching middle or high school English courses.
To that end, he’s convinced that he’ll have to move in order to pursue his aspirations. He faults the economy.
As upset as he is about moving, Stokes also said he’s upset with the toll that the economy has taken on him financially.
“As a retail worker, I’ve had a very difficult time finding a stable position,” he said. “Living expenses became every dime I was earning. Lack of income can lead to increased stress levels and I soon had to turn to my parents for help.”
Delores Dean of FAMU’s Career Center remains buoyant and optimistic despite student concerns.
“There are jobs out there but they go to the students that are most aggressive,” she said.
“Students must be persistent.”
Dean said she wants more FAMU students to utilize the career center to their advantage.
Thompson said he plans on attending The Career Expo, an annual event that helps students meet potential employers, scheduled for Jan. 27, 2010.
“The best thing to do is to keep an open mind,” he said. “A large number of students end up not working in their respective fields of study.
Networking early and becoming involved in organizations that deal heavily with the professional community helps”.
Some students agree that truer words have never been spoken.
And while some individuals may like the money that jingles, most seem to prefer the money that folds.