Is the Future Bleak?

As graduation fast approaches for Washington and Lee University seniors, like myself, the impending doom of the job search continues to haunt our every dream. Although many seniors have been blessed jobs from all over the country and world, there are still many of us hoping to make those childhood dreams come true in finding the "perfect job".

But are we going to be stuck serving coffee at Starbucks or selling hot dogs at baseball stadiums for the rest of our lives? Is our college degree all of a sudden worth as much as our high school one? With the recent economic scares of "sequesters" (budget cuts) and the up and down of the stock market, nothing seems sure anymore.

Most recently, a new study has emerged revealing many Americans have now become over-educated for the jobs that are available to them outside of graduating.

In a study released Monday by The Center for College Affordability and Productivity, researchers found that an increasing number of college graduates are ending up in low-skilled jobs that in years past had been reserved for those unable to achieve higher learning.

For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that about 48 percent of employed U.S. college graduates are in jobs that require less than a four-year college education.

Researchers are seeing this trend because as the number of college-graduates continues to grow year after year, the number of jobs available in the labor market has remained relatively the same.

Richard Vedder, who directs the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, argues that "a growing disconnect has evolved between employer needs and the volume and nature of college training of students."

The study looked more specifically at an example of taxi drivers and firefighters and reported that in 1970, less than one percent of taxi drivers had college degrees and fewer than two percent of firefighters. Now, more than 15 percent do in both jobs.

So what do all these statistics mean for us college graduating seniors still on the hunt for a job? It is not going to be easy. But as the saying goes, it will be worth it.

We have thankfully been granted the amazing opportunity to graduate from such an esteemed institution that holds a high reputation for many employers.

The percentage of graduates employed after 6 months out of Washington and Lee (classes 2004-2009) is 61 percent, while 27 percent were doing graduate studies or fellowships. So the future does not seem as bleak as once was.

So although the number of jobs continues to dwindle, the diploma of Washington and Lee will hopefully give us a head start in front of the competition.

Eventually, we all find the path we are supposed to take for our futures and while some of us may make millions on Wall Street, discover the cure for cancer, or go on to start new businesses. Others of us may find that perfect happiness in making lattes.

-Katie Ackell

Sources:
Washington and Lee University, Career Development Center
Center for College Affordability and Productivity