College students facing slow economic recovery but eventual job growth

The past year has been one of economic hardships for all Americans, from the corporate CEOs at the top of the ladder to college graduates. However, in the past few months, politicians and economists have pointed towards an upward swing in the employment rate and stock market. But, as economist Rajeev Dhawan emphasizes, “it is going to be a very slow rise.”

Rajeev Dhawan is the Director of the Economic Forecasting Center at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State and he knows that the economy cannot simply bounce back overnight. “Right now, businesses are facing uncertainties, both economically and politically. Without the ability to invest and expand, there [will not be] job growth,” Dhawan said, stressing that we may not see significant change until as late as 2011.

For students working towards their degrees and hoping to build careers in their respective fields, this is a terrifying reality. “Jobs are available, but the many people applying greatly outweigh the openings,” Dhawan said, suggesting that students need to come out of school with certain credentials to combat the competition.

“College students need to bring something extra, such as interpersonal skills and [work experience]. For example, those in the real estate market will continue to struggle, unless they can specialize in something like “foreclosure bankruptcy law.” Dhawan said that these differentiations can help students secure jobs.

While many Americans wonder when the state of the economy will stabilize, no one seems to have a solid answer, including Dhawan. “[It] depends on how long it takes for banking to return to normal; if you can’t get credit, you can’t expand business and you essentially can’t hire.” As far as what college students in a time of uncertainty can do to ensure their success post-graduation, Dhawan advised they “stop looking to government to [solve their problems] and instead think about what they can bring to the table.”
 

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