Mason Seniors Contemplate Life in Difficult Times

By Broadside Correspondent Samantha D’Introno

Economists have speculated that many soon–to-be college graduates will head into graduate schools because of hiring freezes, lay offs and pay cuts.

Graduating seniors discuss their plans after graduation in the current economic struggle.

Christine Stansell, a communication major and IT minor, echoes the sentiment of confusion that fellow seniors are experiencing.

“I really have no idea what I am doing after graduation. I have applied to one grad school, but am not sure that I really want to go because I'm not sure that I want to be in school for another two to four years for something that might not be my passion,” said Stansell. “If I do go, I will be taking out some serious loans. I will probably just try to get a job. The economy is making me a little nervous as not many communication jobs seem to be open at the moment, and I am looking at moving home to save up some cash . . . an idea I was firmly against a few months ago.”

Others feel that their post-George Mason University plans are practical and are prepared to attain them even in a difficult economy.

Nicole Kukuruda, a government and international politics major and history and administration of justice minor, thinks that taking baby steps to reach her dream job is necessary.

“I know what I'm going to do, and I have a dream job in my mind, but making that a reality post graduation is still a little daunting,” said Kukuruda. “My backup plan is going into law enforcement, and regardless of the economy, we still need traffic cops, so I'm not too concerned about how the economy is affecting me.”

Others have to wait for their dream jobs a while longer, such as Amanda Breed, a French major and art history minor. She wanted to be a high school teacher and was told that there were job opportunities available throughout her undergraduate career. Now, there is not a high demand for language teachers. She has decided to open more opportunities. “So I'm going to work for a year, save money, and go to grad school to get certified. My plans have changed because of the economy,” said Breed. “I am applying in all fields instead of just one centralized field for a job.”

Some students in the beginning of their undergraduate career had finances paid for by the army or other means. Now, after graduation, students like April Reynado, a nursing major and army ROTC student will serve her country overseas with no finance worries. “I'll be commissioning as a second lieutenant after graduating and becoming an Army nurse. I'll be heading to Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas for two months for Officer Basic Leader Course and then Landstuhl, Germany for my first duty station. The Army is taking care of me, so no worries about finances and such,” said Reynado.

Students also are looking for ways to pay for graduate school and top programs that could cater to their interests. Colleen McCarthy, a Russian studies major who already graduated with a degree in history, is currently looking for graduate programs in the country that still offer a masters in Russian history.

“Initially, I wanted to earn a masters degree in Russian history, most specifically, 19th Century Russian cultural and intellectual history—and hopefully, from there, a Ph.D. program. The schools I initially planned to apply for were mainly on the mid-west and the west coast,” said McCarthy. “I had my heart set on attending a school in Europe that would cater to my specific interests, but that is almost entirely out of the question due to the state of the economy. I still plan on applying to the universities in the United States and Europe, but realistically, Europe is no longer an option.”

Career Services has also noticed a change in student trends.

“In my interactions with students, I've noticed more recent grads applying for internships. They're worried about their chances to get full-time positions but want some type of experience after graduation,” said career counselor Jenn Antonini. “Now, more than ever, it's important for students to get experience while in school to make themselves competitive in a tight market. Employers look for internships, campus involvement and related jobs when making hiring decisions.”

Ann Mills, another career counselor, offered helpful advice finding work in the Washington area while unemployment rates are at an all time high. “While the Washington, D.C. area is at an all time high unemployment rate of 4.7 percent, it is lower than the national unemployment rate of 7.2 percent. That said, economists are predicting the unemployment numbers will get worse before they get better,” said Mills. “With that in mind, it is important to emphasize with students a concept career counselors refer to as the ‘hidden job market.’

These positions are filled by—or created for—candidates who come to an employer's attention through employee recommendations, referrals from trusted associates, recruiters, or direct contact with the candidate.”

Mills suggests using contacts to get jobs. “What's the best way for a student to compete for positions in the hidden job market? Network.”

Ken Guerrant, a career counselor, offers a helpful tip to keep in mind during interviews. “Students should be tenacious in their job search and not let themselves become demoralized by not getting interviews or job offers quickly,” said Guerrant.