Michael (who, like the others interviewed for this article, asked to be referred to by first name only), a 22-year-old graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, describes the job search as much more difficult than he had expected. Graduating with excellent grades in economics, he thought finding employment wouldn’t be as strenuous as the reality has proved. The main drawback has been his lack of experience.

“I think I’m a highly credible candidate for the companies I’ve been applying to, but the majority of them won’t even consider hiring me because I don’t have two to three years of prior experience,” Michael said. “This just frustrates me because I don’t understand when they would have expected me to gain that experience while I’ve been working hard on my degree.”

Others such as Katlyn, a 24-year-old art history major, have found looking for a job in such specialty fields even more taxing. Currently a graduate student at UT focused on museum and community-based art education, Katlyn’s main concern is if the economy doesn’t get better her area of expertise will be less in demand.

“When times are bad and the economy worsens, art education programs are usually the first to be cut,” she noted. “This leaves me extremely anxious about the field of study I’ve chosen. It’s my passion, but what if I can’t find a job for years to come?”

While Stephanie, 23, expected a challenge in finding her dream career, she wasn’t prepared for the fact that even jobs she’s over-qualified for are difficult to come by. “It’s not even the jobs with high salaries or great benefits that are hard to find these days, but with this economy it feels like any job at all is hard to find!”

Like many in her generation, having a fall back plan to support herself is imperative.  Stephanie is waiting tables while pursuing her employment goals.

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