As the economic crisis continues to threaten jobs across the country, some UH students feel the unstable job market will take a heavy toll on their careers.
"(Students) are worried because so many job losses are occurring right now. People aren’t going to be hiring kids that are completely green, that need to be trained, unless they offer lower wages," economics and communication junior Heather Duran said.
Duran said students are growing weary of the unstable future of the economy.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate is 6.1 percent, and the rate is 5 percent for Houston and Texas.
"We in Texas and Houston in particular, are more insulated than the national markets. The national job market is looking much tighter than the local job market, and I expect that to continue to be true," economics professor Steve Craig said. "In a tight environment, which we will for sure have, you have to do your job search better. That means you have to be energetic. You have to present yourself well. You have to make sure you have a good skill set."
Craig said some graduates might find themselves at the lower end of the pay scale.
"Clearly, when the job market is tight, employers don’t have to offer as much money. As the job market cools, the jobs won’t be as lucrative," Craig said.
Graduates should reconsider their options during a time of economic uncertainity, Duran said.
"If you’re an undergrad, you could decide to stay in school and wait the situation out, or if you’re someone like me, I still want to work before I go to grad school, so I’m applying abroad," Duran said.
Craig said students have to remain optimistic while the economy tries to gain momentum.
"It’s important to have a good understanding that when the economy is not doing as well, you should be patient with yourself," Craig said. "If you don’t get a job the first week, or your first job offer doesn’t have a big signing bonus, that doesn’t mean you’re an idiot. That just means you’re in a bad time, and that’s sort of what happens.
