Grads Opt for Graduate School in Tough Economy

Many recent graduates understand how tough the current job market is, so some are choosing to avoid finding a job and continue their education instead.

Saturday, May 9th 2009, 10:43 pm

By: News 9


By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - Many recent graduates understand how tough the current job market is, so some are choosing to avoid finding a job and continue their education instead.

For college graduates at Oklahoma City University, graduation day means lots of pictures and lots of smiles. But underneath those happy faces are lots of nerves and with good reason.

"You are looking at one of the toughest job markets in two and half decades," said OCU Business professor Vince Orza.

It's because of that Orza said more and more graduates are choosing to forgo finding a job and going to grad school instead.

"I just feel right now it's a bad time for a job and I want to equip myself as much as I can," said student Debbie Siew.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the past year alone the number of unemployed Americans is up by 6 million, that's nearly twice the number of people living in Oklahoma.

"That doesn't mean companies aren't hiring," Orza said. "It just means they hiring more selectively and fewer people."

Orza said he is stressing his graduates to be patient and open minded, meaning looking at jobs outside their major.

"Any job is better than no job. Once you're employed you have a chance for a raise, a chance for a promotion," the OCU Business professor said.

Oklahoma State University said they are also seeing more applicants for graduate programs.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

May 9th, 2009

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024