Unemployment Woes and How Schooling Can Help

With unemployment rates creeping up daily and companies shutting down overnight, the whole world seems to be caught in a downward spiral of economic depression. Statistics indicate since last year, over 5 millions Americans have become unemployed with nearly half of that number consisting of 16 to 29 year olds. These numbers are the highest they have ever been over the last two decades. Alarming news for all those recent graduates and students alike.

As a natural consequence of the recession, the first to be laidoff are the often the last to have been hired. Nine times out of ten, this group would consist of young employees who have recently accepted internship posts or entry level positions. Adults and senior members of the organizations are also holding on to jobs that would have normally been offered to the newer wave of applicants. It is truly a tough place to be in and one that needs a committed spirit and a pro-active mentality to survive.

Recent graduates have been spending more and more time applying for a variety of jobs. While this approach should pay off in the long run, many college counselors and recruiters believe that students should be building up their portfolios of experience and education as well. Take a new class, learn a different language, start your own business. You might also want to check out job seminars and workshops. This might be the best time to upgrade your skills, so go in for a re-training in your line of work.

If you haven’t got a degree, you can use this time to further your studies, thus, increasing your employability. In order to be treated as a more useful and necessary member of an institution or business, additional training and certifications by way of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are a necessity in today’s competitive market. Check with your college for a Master’s degree program in the subject of your choice or alternatively, look into other options in order to diversify your strengths and talents. Many colleges offer Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in fields that are still in demand such as healthcare and computers. Certificate programs are also available to add onto your resume.

In the event that you find yourself recently laid off, remember that in current financial times, there is no stigma attached to unemployment. The only approach to take is to ask your employer for reference letters and any possible assistance and throw yourself back into the job market with renewed gusto. This might also be the opportune time to follow up on any long term passions and interests that may give rise to an alternative career or money-making opportunities.

There is also a rise in the number of mature students in universities today, as many are treating this temporary period of unemployment as a time to refresh old skill sets and get more technologically savvy and up to date for the future. With the advent of online education, you can also opt for a degree program via the Internet. This will allow you to juggle your job search and other responsibilities as well as improve your educational qualifications simultaneously.

Career counselors recommend flexibility as the key to surviving unemployment. Graduates should be willing to relocate or even accept a job that might not be that well paid. Experts believe that this period of uncertainty will pass, but it is necessary to educate yourself, keep a positive attitude and maintain your optimism. Keep up with current events, network religiously, and be open to any opportunity that may come your way. In a struggling economy, creative problem-solving, innovation and leadership are the only things that will get you places.