What are you doing after graduation? Macalester seniors face this question more and more frequently as the big day approaches, but economic fears may be preventing them from taking the first steps toward launching a successful job search.

“I hear so many rumors these days about how bad the economy is, how hard it will be to find a job that I get pretty discouraged, even before doing much,” Laura Bartlow ’02 said.

Such fears are not unfounded. Employers expect to hire 19.7 percent fewer new college graduates in this year than last, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). According to NACE, graduating college students can expect more competition for fewer, lower-paying jobs.

Discouraging news like this can fuel fear and procrastination. “Students hear there are no jobs, they get fearful and they don’t come in,” said Kristen Hemker, career counselor at the Career Development Center (CDC).

Student traffic at the CDC was slower last fall than in recent years, according to Director Denise Ward. “Many students put off beginning their job search in hopes that the economy would strengthen this spring,” Ward said. “I am hoping that students don’t delay getting started much longer. There is much they can do now to be ready and connected.”

Economic worries are not all that keeps Macalester seniors from initiating the big search. Some simply wish to savor their final undergraduate days, free from the stress and distraction of a full-scale employment hunt.

“I want to enjoy my last semester at Mac-going to class, sitting on committees, working, being part of the community,” Nichole Alwell ’02 said. “And then there’s graduation. I’d rather enjoy being with other seniors and planning senior week events and celebrating than freaking out about a job.”

Whatever the reason for the slow start, Ward and Hemker stress that it is never too late (or too early) to take steps that will ensure a successful job search.

“If seniors have not begun their job search and they are planning on becoming employed after graduation, I would strongly encourage them to meet with CDC staff before commencement,” Ward said. “If they begin now, they can get their resume in shape, research potential employers, network with alumni and access the thousands of jobs the CDC receives every year.”

Hemker stresses the importance of early and ongoing networking during tough economic times, emphasizing that “without that personal contact you’re just another resume in the stack.”

Senior Jessica Graeser reconnected with her professional contacts last fall. “I called people just to put the word out that I was looking for a job, while not necessarily even asking them specifically if they knew of openings in their own companies,” she said. “That was useful because most people thought of at least one person they knew that they would be happy to pass my resume on to.”

Graeser completed her degree at Macalester in December and currently works as a communications specialist for the DFL Party at the Minnesota House of Representatives. Although she doesn’t see herself working in politics long-term, her current position has been a great jumping-off point.

“This job has definitely been a confidence boost,” she said. “Now I have proof that I am actually qualified to do something.”

Putting forth the initial effort and finding that first position is the key to creating a successful post-Macalester career, according to Ward. “Once a student gets actively job seeking and is persistent in their efforts, the jobs usually come around. And a first job doesn’t determine their future forever. It’s simply a starting point. They have many years ahead of them in which to shape their career.”