Life continues after college, not as planned

Some college seniors may think they have nothing to worry about after they cross the stage in front of Fiske Hall in early May. They'll have their diplomas, allowing them to automatically land dream jobs and conquer the world.

Reality check. It's not that easy.

According to Labor Department statistics, as of last March, the unemployment rate for 20 to 24-year-olds was 8.9 percent. This number is the second highest in the last six years.

In a time where there are more hopeful applicants than help wanted signs, former Keene State College student Joanna Laishley is realizing she's in for a rude awakening.

Laishley graduated last spring with a degree in journalism. But instead of being a respected reporter in a big city or the executive editor of a top selling magazine, she currently works as a child care provider.

"I wanted to get a nine-to-five job in marketing, broadcasting or magazines," said Laishley. "I had interviews at Nickelodeon and some ad firms."

However, most of the jobs offered to her were only internships.

"I knew the market was bad. A lot of the places I went to were just offering internships. I wanted to get a paid job," said Laishley.

And she's not the only one without a job in her field of study.

"None of my friends have jobs. A majority of them don't. Some are just starting to get jobs now," said Laishley.

Laishley added, "One of my friends that graduated in May just got a job a couple days ago."

Then there are the students who realize that once they're out of school, they want a career that has nothing to do with the degrees they received.

Jason Campbell, a former KSC grad and computer science major, decided to go back to school with something else in mind: sports management.

"This is strange because the career I'm chasing is going to stem from my on- campus job rather than my computer science degree," said Campbell.

His on-campus job was working with Stuart Kaufman, KSC's sports information director. He said the job allowed him to make future connections.

"Through him [Kaufman,] I was able to make many more connections, gain experience, as well as on one day work with Carlton Fisk," said Campbell.

There are other ways a student can get experience for the real world, including checking out the KSC webpage under 'Offices and Policies' or 'Academic and Career Advising,' or just taking a trip to the Elliot Center.

The site has everything from job fair listings to internship opportunities. The Elliot Center has a career resource library where one can find videos on career topics, as well as learn ways to write a good resume.

For the students who aren't sure what they want to major in yet, or don't know what jobs are currently of high demand, think computers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top three fastest growing jobs in America from now to 2010 are computer software engineers, computer support specialists and network and computer systems administrators.

What about those students who don't want to stare at screens all day?

"I had some job interviews in the field [of computers] when I got out, but never really had the desire to make a life out of sitting in front of a computer all day by myself," said Campbell.

Even though he's in the process of getting his sports management degree, Campbell's also taking courses in computer networking and web page development "to put me at the top," he said. He realized that computers are a vital role in today's workforce.

But computers aren't everything. In order to land a dream job, one needs to have connections, according to Campbell.

"Sadly, if you want to get into the field that I am trying to get into, you have to know people," he said. "Networking is the biggest thing in the sports industry, and any other job I can think of. You have to make connections and contacts," said Campbell.

Adam Prisby, a former KSC grad and psychology major, wanted to go straight into graduate school once he graduated.

"I want to be a school counselor eventually," said Prisby. To pay of his school loans and for extra income, he currently works at Victoria's Secret as a merchandise stocker.

Overall, Prisby is satisfied with his years at KSC.

"I think it did what I paid for. I got an education in psychology," said Prisby. "The only thing that could have helped me become more accustomed to the working world would have been internships."

Joe Vance, a KSC senior and graphic design major, is getting a little worried about graduating.

"It's kind of sketchy getting out of here when there aren't a whole lot of opportunities," said Vance. "I've been kind of lazy about getting ready for afterwards... scouting out some internships and that sort of thing." He hopes to get "any work I can" after he graduates, but hopes to design graphics for a firm someday.

For nervous future graduates of KSC like Vance, Campbell has some advice.

"Hang in there, don't shut any doors. Keep your mind open and you will find your way to where you're supposed to go," said Campbell.

Laishley said to look for jobs ahead of time.

"Look for jobs before you graduate. The more internships you can do before graduation, the better," said Laishley.

"It's kind of a catch-22 out there," Laishley added. "They want you to have experience but how much can you have when you've just graduated?"

Prisby said to start looking now, too.

"Know what you want to do after graduation now. If you want a job, start looking now. If you want to go to graduate school, do it now. Don't wait until April or May," said Prisby.

When the going gets tough, and the tough seems to just not get going, for

Campbell, he thinks back to his mother's words of wisdom.

"If you are in a degree that you are unsure of, remember what my mom always told me. 'No matter what you do with your life, a degree is something that you earned. Nobody can ever take that away from you, even if you never use it.'"