College graduates look for entry level positions while taking lower salaries

Let's face it, if you're graduating from college this May or even in December, the tight job market is less than appealing.

With the lack of experience and skills, many graduates are giving up the job search to return to school, join the military, take on jobs not in their fields or chill at home until the economy heats up again.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the jobless rate is 18.5 percent for young adults and nearly 1.3 million workers ages 16-24 have left the labor force since the recession hit in December 2007.

However, the financial crisis hasn't hit all businesses equally, and students in some majors have a better chance of finding jobs in their field than others.

Elizabeth Wilson, assistant director for Career Services at AASU, said students with a degree in the College of Liberal Arts have a hard time because they have to convince the employer that their skill set is valuable.

Wilson said health care is doing well and that law enforcement and government jobs are still available and schools are still having career fairs for teachers.

She said Career Services is filled with seniors looking for full-time employment and sprucing up their résumé.

However, even if students land the entry level position, according to a 2010 CNNMoney report, college students gearing up to graduate this spring are likely to make less on their first job than those who got their degree last year.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that the average salary offers for 2010 bachelor's degree candidates are down to 1.7 percent or $47,673 compared to $48,515 last year.

According to The Minority Report article, "Tough economy takes toll on salaries," employers are cutting costs everywhere they can to deal with the stalled economy and labor is one of the largest expenses an employer has.

The article also reported that with the cost of the Health Care reform bill, small business owners are worried they will face higher income taxes which will deflate salaries and wages.

Investors are discovering the threat of payroll taxes on their capital gains. The threat requires a greater return on investment, which will further cost cuts by large businesses.

This means that even as jobs return, salaries will be lower than expected and the standard of living is falling, the article reported.

The article also stated that because the official unemployment rate is around 10 percent, employers offer lower salaries and still expect to find good quality candidates willing to work at reduced pay.

Wilson said many students have a hard time with the experience, and the entry-level job is not entry level anymore.

Not only are employers reducing salaries, but college students are being squeezed out of jobs in favor of older experienced workers.

Wilson said people who have more experience are easier to train and more likely to stick with the company. She said experienced workers can do the work faster than someone without experience.

According to The U.S. Department of Labor, the number of workers 55 and older has increased by 9 percent, or 2.5 million people, since the recession began.

Though these percentages are disappointing, Wilson said students should still do what they love because four years is a long time to work if a student does not like their field.

Her advice is to try and gain experience in the field you want to go into and use it to supplement your major.

Wilson also advises to start early, have a targeted résumé and cover letter, network with friends, family and professors and practice interviewing skills.

She said the economy will get better and to hope for next May.

If students have questions, call Career Services at 344-3248 or e-mail Elizabeth.Wilson@armstrong.edu.