Just like the Dow Jones and Nasdaq, the number of available jobs is decreasing because of the current economic state.

Susan Wade, director of the Career Development Center, said every Baker University student would be affected by the current global recession.

Upcoming December 2008 and May 2009 career-bound graduates are more susceptible to recession woes, she said.

"I predict that the length of time to find the job you hoped to get will extend," Wade said. "A job hunt that took six months in a good economic state could take eight or nine now."<br/>Wade said some career fields, such as the financial and banking industries, have more limited opportunities for jobs and job growth right now.Wade said some career fields, such as the financial and banking industries, have more limited opportunities for jobs and job growth right now.
Wade said some career fields, such as the financial and banking industries, have more limited opportunities for jobs and job growth right now.

Senior Jared Weseloh, who is graduating in December, said it was really difficult to find a job that applied to his college major, which is business management. 

Weseloh decided to take a job offer in the agriculture industry, an industry that isn’t related to his major.

But the relief Weseloh feels about his future is worth not taking a job related to his major right now, he said.

“If I didn’t have a job lined up, one that I’m 90 percent sure I have, I would be a lot more stressed out right now,” Weseloh said. “That deadline for graduation and finding a job is getting closer.”

Senior Sara Matthews, who is also a business major graduating in December, said she feels some anxiety about entering the work force.

“I’m kind of nervous, but I’m excited to start the next chapter of my life,” she said.

Matthews will begin an internship this winter that she hopes will generate a possible job and lead to future career opportunities. She also will be coaching soccer this spring at Shawnee Mission West High School.

Wade said she encourages students to do anything that will make them look more attractive to employers, including internships, keeping a high GPA and practicing interview skills.

She also said Baker students have skills in demand, like writing and critical thinking, which will lead to good careers.

“But they need to put themselves out there,” Wade said. “Don’t wait for employers to come to you.”

To ensure an easier job hunt in the future market, Wade suggests students with undecided majors should think about education.

“This will be a time when teaching and education will come back into the fold,” she said.