Economy limits job opportunities

By Jessica Alway

Despite increased efforts by the Career Center and academic advisors, Santa Clara graduates are still finding it hard to get a job right out of school.

Experts encourage young people to keep their options open and to be creative, but many are still having difficulty. Now, recent graduates struggling against unemployment are returning to campus to utilize the university's resources along with current students.

"Good jobs?" asked Peter Bowyer, a psychology major who graduated in December. "Do they exist? It's hard to find the bottom of the barrel jobs right now. I had things I wanted to do, now I have had to explore other options just to survive and get started."

Bowyer's experience is not unique. The national unemployment rate remained at 6 percent in November and December 2002, the highest level since April of 1994, the last time the economy mirrored today's current status.

"I believe there is potential for a recovery, but the possible war with Iraq has lowered consumer confidence," said William Sundstrom, chair of the economics department. "That uncertainty is usually bad for economic recovery. People tend to postpone big decisions, such as large purchases and investments, which cedes back on hiring decisions because there is less for people to do."

In December, employers slashed payrolls at a surprisingly aggressive pace and made the most job cuts in 10 months. The cuts indicate the jobless recovery is not only lingering, it's deepening, according to national economists. This could potentially have a great effect on those entering the job market, as recent studies show employers plan on hiring 3.6 percent fewer grads this year.

In lieu of such a possibility, the Career Center has established some new programs geared towards seniors and those just starting their job search. New Assistant Director Kathy Potter, in charge of alumni relations, put on the first Career Management Workshop on Jan. 27. The workshop highlighted tips for interviews, resumes, networking strategies and building overall professional relationships.

Potter, who joined the staff this September, modeled her program after the MBA Career Planning Workshop Julie Krugman puts on once a month for business graduate students.

"I felt as though I was just repeating the same information and advice to people one on one," said Potter, who has worked extensively with graduates in the past. "The workshop allows me to counsel more efficiently to more people."

Before coming to Santa Clara, Potter spent five years as the director of Career Counseling and Placement at the University of New Mexico School of Law. In addition to her responsibilities in the Career Center she serves as senior career consultant for the San Jose office of Lee Hecht Harrison.

"I wouldn't be discouraged by the numbers [given by economists]," Potter said. "They are always deceiving. I just encourage students and grads to stay curious. Look into areas where you have interest. I strongly believe that you must do what you love, and the money will follow, at least in many walks of life. You must think of your first jobs as taxi jobs, there is no direct line. Just keep your goals in mind."

Perhaps the end of the recession is in sight. President George W. Bush proposed massive tax cuts in January that he said will add 2.1 million new jobs in the next three years. The economic plan also includes a proposal to create "reemployment accounts" of about $3,000 to help 1.2 million unemployed workers with job training, child-care and other costs.

"The uncertainty due to the Iraq situation will undoubtedly be resolved soon," said Sundstrom. "When the economy will enter a recovery phase is much broader question. It is hard to predict and many of the expert views are mixed. Some are skeptical the Bush budget will create much stimulus. But though the economy is slow now, it will come back, it always does."

Sundstrom, like Career Center advisors, has been telling students to be creative with their job skills, looking into many possible career paths. As a recent grad, attempting to do just that, Bowyer urges everyone to use the resources available on campus.

"Not only seniors, but especially freshmen need to get into the Career Center," said Bowyer. "Get started planning the right major for them, what classes pertain to what careers, where the careers are and where they will be in the future. Seniors need to get intern positions in the pertinent fields. Entry-level no longer means no experience, employers are looking for experience. So get started early."