Shits real

Four friends sat around a table at Happy Hour discussing all the joy and satisfaction they get from knowing that those four years of confining themselves to the library, kissing up to professors, and darting through the halls to slip into the classroom before we- I mean they- even got the chance to wipe the morning crust from their eyes, will finally pay off.

Meanwhile, at the adjacent table a group of friends shared their somewhat different 20s experiences……Need job

During our teenage years, our parents made it clear to us that we didn’t have the option of not furthering our education and going to college. Once we finished our undergraduate studies, they encouraged us to get our masters, and if we’re  ambitious enough, take it one step further and get our PHD. But how are things panning out for those who actually listened to this advice?

 

 

In 2012, studies showed that about 53% of early 20-somethings, with  degrees, were unemployed. It appears that the dream job we felt deserving of after college may not be realistic right after graduation. It’s no easy task for the early 20 year olds, who have spent the last 4-6 years of their lives in school, to be qualified for entry level jobs. Then there’s the job response that most college graduates have gotten at some point: “We’ve decided to go with someone with more experience.” If every employer had that attitude, the only jobs that recent college graduates would be qualified for would be the culinary skill of making ramen noodles….or tutoring……No Experience_032409b

I have friends who never went to college, and yet they can walk into an interview with an extensive resume with enough work experience to put my little internship resume to shame. Which leads me to another point: Of course, most college students and even college graduates are going to take an internship at an esteemed firm with the hopes that their coffee runs and paper pushing days will eventually lead to some sort of job offer. But so many scholars, who are eager to get started in the work force, somehow end up falling up short.

It’s a sign of the times. Companies are going to get as much as they can out of an intern because they’re basically working for free. It’s just unfortunate that in this economy, and in most cases, there aren’t potential jobs waiting My name is Intern on the other side of those internships. So, some find themselves making a two year career out of interning. But who wants to continue to work for free?

So then, what are they left with? College graduates entering the working world basically owing Sallie Mae a mortgage are hung out to dry. With little money and job prospects, many are resorting to the last option: prostitution…..but seriously, it does make you wonder if you would have just been better off putting college on hold for a few years in order to gain some work experience.

The truth is, it’s tough in this economy regardless of what decisions you make after your teenage years. Whether you decide to advance your education and get a bachelors, then a masters, or you just decide to enter the work force, they both present challenges. I’d like to consider myself fortunate because I didn’t graduate with loans, but I know that is not the case with many graduates. As we wait for this economy to recover, the best we can do is navigate through our desired field, the best way we know how, in hopes that someone will take the gamble on our future. I think we can all agree, happy hour is not so happy if you can’t afford anything on the menu.you are hired

How has the Post-Graduate Experience been for you?

Sources: theatlantic.com

-Aliyah 

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