Guest columnist Donyelle Murdock is graduating this week with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Shaw University.
As class of 2009 finishes their exams and pays for their caps and gowns, the question that everyone is asking has come to the forefront. What are they going to do now? Some students have well put together plans that have ensured them a secure future. Other students have no intention of finding a job in their fields and plan to work anywhere. These groups make up a small portion of the class of 2009.
The other 98 percent may feel like Shaw University senior Akeema Thompson who said, “I think this is the worst time ever to try and find a job. It’s like every time I apply somewhere they already have filled the position or they are not looking to hire anymore people. I don’t know what to do.” Out of a 100 interviewed students at Shaw University and N.C. State University, 64 of them are still searching for employment in their fields. NCSU student Jamal Kindler says, “My biggest fear is going back home to live with my mother. Its like you work so hard for 4 years and then you have to work at Mickey D’s with some dude that wears his pants around his knees. I’m not knocking anyone that works at a fast food place but I did not take 4 years out of my life to learn how to take trash out back.”
Kindler and a majority of all other males are very frightened that they may have to go home to their parents. Some women feel that going home wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Shaw student Shericka Harrington says, “I’m graduating and haven’t found a job yet. If I don’t I will go back home to regroup. What’s so bad about going home for a while? I mean it’s inevitable, you’re going to need somebody’s help.”
A survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows hiring for the Class of 2009 is expected to be down almost 2 percent from last year. More than 50 percent of employers say they’re hiring fewer graduates. Government jobs are the only sector that saw any significant increase in hiring expectations. Giselle Logan, parent of a Shaw University junior, had this to say: “My daughter and I talked it over and we thought the best thing for her to do is switch her major to business. She was athletic training but I felt that would not help her get a job. A business major has a larger work group than that other stuff. I just want her to be able to support herself when the time comes.”
Some students are changing their majors, some are following their hearts. Some students are not panicking while others even ponder about the military. No matter what route a class of 2009 senior may take, they all must start somewhere.
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