College Grads Concerned, But Confident They Will Find Jobs

Nearly two-thirds of the college Class of 2009 are concerned about finding a job, but nearly as many are confident they will be employed within three months of graduating, according to a new study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

NACEís 2009 Student Survey shows that 63.6 percent of responding seniors are worried about their job prospects, and more than 61 percent see the economy as an impediment to their getting a job.

At the same time, however, ì52 percent told us they are confident they will be employed within three months of their graduation,î says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director. ìThe results suggest that students understand the economy is a factor, but do not believe it will stop them from finding a job.î

Despite that optimism, more than 40 percent of responding seniors appear to recognize that their first job out of school may not be as lucrative as they had hoped. ìThey expect to need financial help from their parents,î says Mackes.

NACEís study shows that only 19.7 percent of those who have applied for jobs actually have one.

ìA significant issue is that although most responding students say they have started looking for jobs, the majorityó59 percentóhad not actually applied for one as of the end of April,î says Mackes.