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College Graduates' Job Prospects Shrinking, Experts Say

By ADAM EMERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 24, 2008

Employers nationwide have readjusted their hiring projections as economic conditions continue to worsen, and the news isn't good for local college graduates.

A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows that employers plan to hire just 1.3 percent more graduates in 2009. That's down from an August survey showing that employers anticipated a 6.1 percent increase in hiring.

"There are still going to be opportunities, but there are fewer," said Drema Howard, the director of the University of South Florida's career center. "We're seeing employers be much more selective."

Schools such as USF and the University of Tampa are seeing far fewer postings on their job boards – 45 percent fewer at UT from this time in 2007 – and far fewer employers visiting job fairs.

And recruitment season has only begun.

"I think there's so much change that's happening so quickly, it's hard for employers to gauge what's happening," said Tim Harding, UT's career services director.

Howard and Harding said they were surprised the survey showed a significant downward adjustment but expected things to be hard for students.

Even so, they each say there are opportunities for students, particularly for those willing to network. Students also are landing jobs in accounting and with the federal government.

"You can't assume there are no jobs," Howard said.

Employers nationwide adjusted their hiring projections for college graduates downward in just two months:

TRENDS IN HIRING

•Construction down 20 percent.

•Finance and insurance down 6 percent.

•Business services down 3 percent.

•Government up 20 percent.

Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285 or aemerson@tampatrib.com.

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