WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |MTSU seniors worry about future, finding jobs

MTSU seniors worry about future, finding jobs

Seniors preparing to graduate at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro are worried about what the future holds and whether they will be able to find a job.

Some say the economy is really affecting their job search.

Senior Dana Shotwell told News 2, "It makes me nervous because I hear they're laying off more people than hiring right now.  I'm definitely nervous about getting a job."

The career center at MTSU has been swamped with students looking for help finding a job and networking.

Bill Fletcher, the center's director, says they do their best to put job search resources at students' fingertips but ultimately, it's just not a good time to be looking for employment.

He said they've seen a 54% drop in entry level job postings compared to March 2008 and on top of that, some employers who used to participate in their career fairs are withdrawing their involvement because they don't have any job openings.

Student say there's a definite sense of urgency in the months leading up to graduation.

"I think it's a mess, and it's really scary for people my age right now," said senior Dean Andrews.  "We're graduating and there are not a lot of options."

Fletcher said students have to start early, months and months ahead of time, to make sure they're able to compete for the jobs that are out there.

"If one waits until they graduate, they may have to go through six, 12, 18 months before something comes through for them," he said.

Fletcher said although fewer full time job openings are being posted, he has seen an increase in internship opportunities, which can hopefully turn into a job in the future.
 
MTSU said their internship postings are up 47% from last year.