Bridgette Blight
Approximately 9,000 college students graduated from Rhode Island in spring 2008. University of Rhode Island students who would like to stay in the state after graduation must deal with a recession that might last into 2009 and the second highest unemployment rate in the country. However, despite these problems, University of Rhode Island students that take the initiative can find jobs after graduation.
Students need to figure out what they would like to do and begin planning as soon as possible, according to Edward Mazze, a professor of Business Administration at URI.
"The best preparation is to have an updated resume," Mazze said. He recommends taking classes that are attractive to employers. In many industries, such as business, fluency in another language can set an applicant apart from his or her competition.
For some students, continuing their education after graduation is the best way to ensure a successful job search.
"Graduate school is an option if you can afford to do it, particularly for a professional degree such as an MBA or a master's of education," Mazze said.
However, he added, many employers will subsidize or completely cover the cost of graduate school for their employees. In cases such as this, finding a job before starting graduate school is a wise choice for one's career and finances, Mazze said.
"Most graduate schools are not prepared to help people find jobs," he added.
Rhode Island's economy is in a bind. The state has lost jobs every month since January, and Mazze thinks the state may continue to lose jobs into 2009.
Federal unemployment is at 5.7 percent and Rhode Island's unemployment is 7.7 percent. This is the highest unemployment rate in New England and the second highest rate in the country.
With proper planning, students can adequately prepare themselves for a difficult job market if they plan on staying in Rhode Island after graduation, Mazze said. Something as simple as an on-campus job can lead to employment after graduation.
Networking is also important. Talking with professors and fellow students is a good way to find out about job openings. And, Mazze said, there are other resources as well.
"It's always good to look at the business pages of newspapers, as well as stay in touch with Career Services," Mazze said. "They generally know where the jobs are."
Many industries in the state are stagnant or shrinking. Over 1,000 state jobs were cut as a part of Governor Donald Carcieri's budget cuts. However, some industries, such as hospitality health services and financial services are growing. Pharmacy and nursing students will have no trouble finding employment after graduation, Mazze said.
Many students will have difficulty finding a job, but this does not mean it is impossible.
"We have students getting jobs with accounting firms and computer science companies, but there's just so few of them," he said.
Mazze doesn't think that the recent faculty retirements will impact the quality of education at URI.
"The state has a severe budget crunch and must make sure that the faculty have the resources they need to be effective teachers," Mazze said. "The students are going to get a very good education."
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