Job market has bright spots for 2009 grads. Honest.

These 2008 graduates of the Emory College of Arts and Sciences look pretty happy. They have jobs now. The job outlook for the soon-to-graduate Class of 2009, however, is the toughest in a generation. Still, there are some bright spots, including nonprofits and government work.

Career planning and networking, plus extra polish and preparation are taking precedent as Emory seniors get ready to hit one of the worst job markets in recent memory. Emory’s career experts urge students to be especially proactive in their job search and take advantage of the resources available to prepare them for interviews and networking.
           
“The days when a student could send in a resume, do a few interviews and expect a job offer are over,” said Andy Rabitoy, director of Goizueta Business School’s BBA Career Management Center. “More so than ever before, students need to differentiate themselves from the crowd; and it’s a big crowd now.”
           
At Goizueta, a fairly active fall semester for recruitment has seen a big drop-off this spring. “It’s a tough market out there for our seniors,” Rabitoy said. “Employers are still offering jobs, but not at nearly the same levels. It’s extremely competitive since companies have shaved off many entry-level positions.”
           
Emory’s Career Center has seen high attendance at events all year, and increased traffic through its doors. Recruitment is down about 30 percent nationwide, and Emory too is feeling the effects, said Career Center Executive Director Paul Fowler.

A few bright spots: Nonprofits, government
           
According to Fowler, outside of the business sector, the outlook isn't quite as challenging. “Many of our students are interested in nonprofit, government-service jobs. Fortunately it's a sector that hasn't been hit like business,” Fowler said. “Because our liberal arts grads are exceptionally educated and committed to community and volunteerism, they have a competitive advantage in seeking such opportunities.”
           
Since taking over leadership of the Career Center last August, Fowler has focused on increasing recruitment and tapping more heavily into Emory's alumni network to find more available jobs for students.

Connections to alumni
           
The Emory Alumni Association’s (EAA) new professional and social online networking tool, E-Connection, provides new resources for students at a time when they are clearly most needed. Through E-Connection, students can gain insight into their targeted field or industry by searching for alumni willing to offer career advice, can identify alumni connections with organizations in which they have an interest, and can form or join groups related to their professional interests. Job and internship resources also are posted there by alumni.
           
“We hope that students and alumni will continue to build on the growing numbers in the E-Connection community,” said Carolyn Bregman 82L, the EAA’s director of alumni career services. “There is no better way for alumni and students to enhance the Emory network than by actively participating in E-Connection, both for sharing and benefitting from the flow of professional and career information and leads.”

For students, it’s all about who you know
           
“In this economy, it’s essential that students take advantage of all the contacts available to them,” said Emory senior Ed Sonier 09C, a psychology major. So far his job search has yielded two internship offers.
           
One advantage of the economy “is that you learn a lot about yourself,” Sonier said. “It forces you to really evaluate what you want to do, and what skills you have to offer so you can find your niche and market yourself.”
           
For senior Daniel Goetzel 09C, Emory’s alumni network has yielded opportunities and a mentor who has provided invaluable advice as Goetzel works to find an internship for this summer, ideally in Washington, working for a political consulting firm.
           
“It’s definitely been difficult for everybody,” Goetzel said. “I think in this market it comes down to the people you know and being persistent.”—Beverly Clark and Eric Rangus