Unemployment continues to present a grave predicament for many students, and the government and companies should take more active roles in providing jobs for our country’s aspiring leaders.
The US Department of Labor reports that the unemployment rate for college graduates is a shocking 18.3%, with students receiving comparatively lower wages in 2013 than students in 2000. The economy is not easier for graduates, who are burdened with student loans and other living expenses.
Though education is seen as crucial for surviving in a highly competitive economy, even a degree from a well-known university cannot guarantee a high paying job – or any job.
“This whole month I’ve been applying to at least one job per day — I remember one day I applied to seven jobs,” says recently-graduated Duke University journalism major Magdalene Castro. “I haven’t heard back from anyone.”
Census data suggests that the economy is also impacting course choices. Students who might have studied subjects like philosophy, literature and art are opting for degrees in engineering, health or marketing.
University of California Davis career coordinator Nancy Tibbetts says that the current job climate means that “students must be more open-minded to different [job] opportunities.”
Unemployment is also impacting younger students. According to the Urban Institute, students with unemployed parents are at risk of grade repetition, low grades, school suspension and depression.
The US economy has recovered less than a quarter of the estimated 8.8 million jobs that were lost in the recent recession, and many of the new jobs are in low-wage occupations. Many companies seem unwilling to employ more workers. Yet, unlike countries like France and South Korea, the US government has neglected to provide effective part-time job opportunities and placement programs.
Thus, the nation must initiate programs to offer more jobs to the unemployed, create placement programs, and promote active reforms in order to truly uphold the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens.
Eugine Chung
Eugine Chung has been a part of JSR since Spring Semester 2012 and is a continuing editor. Eugine is a strong advocate of social equality and believes in exploring issues steeped within her community. As a senior at Granada Hills Charter High School, Eugine is looking more closely into her passions including art and music. As an editor, she hopes to not only help other budding journalists but to learn from others as well.
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