Job Market for 2004 Graduates Looks Bleak

By: Jennifer Bladykas
Posted In: News

Stephanie Dupuis always had a love for teaching. At the age of 5, she began instructing her younger sister by playing school.

“That’s why she’s so smart!” Dupuis exclaimed with a smile. “I made her write essays when she was in 2nd grade!”

When deciding on a college and a career path, family and friends persuaded her to fulfill her dream.

“Everyone said, ‘Be a teacher. All the old teachers are retiring. You’ll be fine!'” said Dupuis.

So she did. Double majoring in Education and Theater, with a minor in English Literature at Salve, Dupuis followed her passion. Now, as a senior embarking on new horizons, she has found herself weighing her options for the future.

“Now that I’ve specialized in the arts, my job opportunities are going to be few and far between,” Dupuis said. “Luckily, the theater has taught me to be creative, and I might have to be creative in finding a job!”

Dupuis is not alone in her anxiety. According to NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, it has been two years since employers have increased the hiring of college students. Even with a projected 12.7% increase of potential college hires for the class of 2004, Marilyn Mackes, executive director of NACE, said in an online article that there is still reason to be cautiously optimistic.

“There are still a lot of people who have graduated in the past couple of years that are looking for their first real job,” said Edward Turilli, Director of Career Development at Salve. “So even though the number of jobs has risen for this graduating class, they are facing competition from those who graduated before them.”

Turilli explained that many students who have graduated since the year 2001 have been filling their time with temporary work until the economic status picked up.

“We’ve seen many more recent graduates, from the class of ’02 and ’03, returning to us for help while we’re still trying to help this upcoming class,” Turilli said.

Although the outlook is positive, Turilli explained that the hiring market lags behind the business climate. This means that although this year’s graduating class has a higher probability of being hired, they are in essence competing with two years of qualified graduates. So, how will Salve students handle this new reality?

“I knew it would be critical to be well educated to succeed,” said Crystal Dymon, a senior Business Administration major at Salve Regina. “But now, even though I’m a little nervous about all the competition, I think it will all turn out ok.”

Dymon has already received one job offer in South Carolina. As for her plans after graduation,

“They’re changing everyday!” she said with a laugh.

Dupuis, like many of the Class of 2003, understand what it is like to face an uncertain future.

“I’m just hoping my passion enables me to persevere.”