By Jeff Hiseley

In better times a college degree guaranteed a comfortable life. Corporate recruiters visited college campuses eager to woo soon-to-be graduates with generous salary and benefits packages.
Now many graduates are walking off the commencement stage into  jobs below their education and skill levels.

Underemployment: A plague for recent graduates

According to a March 2010 Gallup poll 20.3 percent of American workers are holding jobs beneath their credentials. Recent college graduates bear the brunt of this chronic underemployment.

“It’s a definitely not what I expected,” said Alice Morrison, 23, a 2009 graduate of ETSU. Morrison, who studied healthcare administration, found post-college employment opportunities scarce.

“I’ve sent out over a 30 resumes. I have a very high grade point average and impeccable references,” said Morrison, “but the only jobs I could find were with call centers. The week after graduation I was selling magazines as a telemarketer. It was very disappointing.”

“It’s a definitely not what I expected. The week after graduation I was selling magazines as a telemarketer. It was very disappointing.”

                                           - Alice Morrison

“This is by far the worst job market I have seen for new grads,” said Dr. David Magee, director of ETSU’s Career & Internship Services office.

“Northeast Tennessee was hit hard. This area is primarily a manufacturing economy. When income is down throughout the region due to plant closings other market sectors are affected. It’s a trickle-down effect,” Magee said.

But there is hope.

“According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies plan to hire 5.3 percent more graduates this year than they did last year. This is the first good news we have heard in two years,” Magee said.

Many local employers are beginning to adapt to an improving economy.

Internships: A foot in the corporate door

“Lately our office has seen an increased number of companies offering both paid and unpaid internships. It’s an act of good faith that the economy is improving and they will be looking to hire full-time in the near future,” said Magee.

Completing an internship is quickly becoming a prerequisite to enter the job market in today’s economy.

“Graduates should not turn up their noses at internships. An internship is a great way to get your foot in the door and establish yourself in your field,” Magee said.

“I can attest to the value of an internship. I’m lucky enough to be working in the field I actually studied in college.”

                                                - Clinton Spain

Clinton Spain, 2008 ETSU graduate currently directing daytime news programming at WJHL-TV in Johnson City, is one example of the benefits an internship can bring.

“I can attest to the value of an internship,” said Spain. “I’m lucky enough to be working in the field I actually studied in college.”

“I majored in broadcasting and took a great internship. I’ve seen a lot of layoffs but thankfully I am still here,” said Spain. “I’m actually looking at a promotion in the next month or so.”

“Companies really do want to hire young graduates,” Magee said. “Not only are they are cheaper than a lot of older employees but they also have cutting edge knowledge in their field. It’s pure economics.”

To enhance their post-college employability, students should start honing their job search skills as early as their sophomore year, according to Magee.

“It is my firm belief that many young graduates do not have the jobs that they should have because they never learned effective resume planning and interview skills,” Magee said. “My simplest advice would be to take advantage of the free services offered here at ETSU like the Career & Internship Services center.

Many students are returning to school for further education.

"I'm currently working on an MBA," Morrison said. "That should open up more opportunities."

“It’s important not to lose hope,” Magee said. “The best and brightest will always rise to the top.”