College graduates enter worst job market in a generation as entry-level jobs dry up

June 16, 2010   |    PDF version

Pasadena, CA — High school and college graduates of the class of 2010 will be entering one of the toughest job markets of this generation, according to a study by the Economic Policy Institute. The study estimates that it is the hardest market for young adults since 1983 and possibly since the end of World War II.

Across the country local papers are filled with reports of new college graduates not being able to get jobs in their fields. This seems especially true for graduates majoring with humanities and education related degrees. The National Center for Education Statistics says that there are 2.4 million students set to graduate with bachelors and associates degree this year. These new graduates are going to face competition from the graduates of the last two years who have either lost their jobs or are doing jobs outside their fields and waiting for better opportunities.

Although the unemployment rate for college graduates is 4.7% compared to the nationwide average of 9.3%, most economists agree that it does not show a true picture for recent graduates. This is because a lot of them are likely to be working in jobs that do not require a college degree such as retail or have moved back with their parents and are not registered for unemployment benefits.

Defying the current bleak economic scenario, EntryLevelCrossing.com, a niche job site focusing on just entry-level jobs has been able to list over 7,000 jobs on its site in the last seven days alone. ''Even though all the news stories keep focusing on how hard it is for recent college graduates to get a job, I feel that you just need to keep looking, apply everywhere, not give up and you will find your job,'' says A. Harrison Barnes, CEO of EntryLevelCrossing. ''With over 17,000 jobs waiting to be picked up, it is just not possible to think about scarcity in the job market.'' The niche job site has entry level jobs in all major cities including New York City, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The jobs cover all professions including programming, law, education and healthcare.

Contact:
Roger Croft
Editorial Coordinator
EntryLevelCrossing
626-243-1814
rogerc@entrylevelcrossing.com

About EntryLevelCrossing:
EntryLevelCrossing is part of the EmploymentCrossing, one of the most powerful and comprehensive job search institutions dedicated to helping professionals find jobs that will enhance their careers. EmploymentCrossing consists of 90+ industry-specific job boards which consolidate every job opening it can find in one convenient location. The website also offers a three-day free trial to new members.