 "Photo: Natasha Sankovich")
With the recession causing cuts in spending for businesses across the board, the job market is taking a hit, but Texas A&M's Career Center said it is up to the challenge.
"The A&M Career Center has been in existence since 1939 and has experienced recessions, economic downturns and tight job markets throughout its history," said the center's director of Campus Programs, Samantha Wilson. "We are well-equipped to deal with changing economic climates and will continue to bring our expertise to the student body at Texas A&M."
The center, one of the largest in the U.S., has historically provided students' basic career needs, such as résumé writing instruction, advising workshops, interview skill-building practices and networking connections. In light of the recession, it has added more programs.
"We have created and will continue to create new programs, including podcasts and materials that address the current economic situation," Wilson said. "In addition, we are hosting several panel discussions focusing on careers that remain viable."
Panel discussion topics will include commercial banking, information on "green" jobs, emphasis on non-profit careers and law enforcement. These programs are meant to educate students about career fields remaining accessible despite the economy and to encourage students to consider these options.
The Career Center works closely with employers to ensure Aggie job success.
"One of our goals is to enhance employers' efforts to recruit and hire future employees," said Director of Employment Services Paula Moses. "We assist employers with implementing their recruiting tactics, including posting their jobs in our online system, scheduling on-campus interviews and networking sessions and facilitating contact with student organizations."
There are more than 800 active recruiting employers participating with the Career Center, and more are being added daily.
Moses said the slowing economy hasn't stopped employers' recruitment of Aggies for one reason.
"When money gets tight and companies decide to restrict travel, A&M is normally not a school that gets cut because of the Aggie commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, desire to succeed and preparation for success," she said. "Aggies are the talent pool of choice for many companies."
Even if Aggies have a competitive edge in the job market, unemployment facts are discouraging. MSNBC figures place the total job loss at 4.4 million since the recession's beginning in December 2007.
"With so many people losing their jobs, it's really nerve-racking to contemplate entering the job market at this time," said Jackie New, freshman petroleum engineering major.
Despite the bleak picture, graduates may not be as bad off as they think, Wilson said.
The New York Times reported college graduates suffered less than those without degrees.
"Recent graduates are still competitive in [the job] market," Wilson said. "Many companies seek recent graduates to fill entry-level positions because students entering the workforce are more easily trained, do not have an extensive salary history and are more likely to want to advance within the company."
Wilson said the bottom line is students must be proactive in their job search.
The Career Center recommended registering as early as three semesters prior to graduation to begin seeking full-time employment.
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