College graduates prepare to enter uncertain job market

As America begins to recover from a recession and the war continues to rage in Iraq, graduating seniors such as Perry Apawu are wondering how the state of the economy will affect their chances of landing a job.
“There is a big misconception that graduates will get jobs right
out of college,” said Apawu, a senior business marketing major from Chicago. “It’s all about how you go about doing things. If I don’t get one job, then I’ll keep trying until I find what I’m looking for.”
Researchers say that the economy has grown to some extent in the past few months. According to the U.S Department of Labor, the national unemployment rate is at six percent, a drop of one percent since September.
Consumer and business spending accompanied by tax cuts and low interest rates account for this growth. However, African-Americans and Hispanics have a hard time obtaining jobs.
“African-Americans, both male and female are hit hardest by
recessions,” said Andrew Muhammad, assistant professor of economics and finance. “Blacks are like a caboose and Whites are like the engine. Blacks never really catch up.”
In an USA Today article entitled, “Job Hunt Gets Harder for
African-Americans,” Stephanie Armour states that there are several factors that may impel the increase of unemployment.
Some of these factors include labor market participation, industry losses and one’s educational background.
The unemployment rate of African-Americans is usually twice the overall unemployment percentage. When the economy is thriving, African-Americans are many times hired last.
They also tend to be the first to lose their jobs when a downturn hits.
“This is a time to give graduate school a harder look, since the market is tighter and more competitive,” said Albert Samuels, assistant professor of political science.
Despite statistics, Muhammad offers clear-cut advice to his
students. “Be willing to accept experience over money. The value of a job is more important.”