Today on Twitter, I stumbled upon an article from the New York Times entitled “Life is O.K., If You Went to College.” Hurrah! Since exactly one week from today I will be lining up at my college commencement ceremony, I was intrigued and they sucked me in with that hopeful title and I excitingly read on.
The bottom line is that “the unemployment rate for college
graduates in April was a mere 3.9 percent, compared to 7.5 percent for everyone
else.”
Those with degrees have taken all the available jobs during
the country’s recession because even though business may suffer, they would
rather hire someone who has obviously dedicated themselves (and been
successful) enough to the task of higher education.
Even if these jobs aren’t the dream career, we all have to
start somewhere and the college grad is more likely to get a promotion than
someone who is less educated.
When I was reading this article I though back to my dad
talking to me about how important a degree actually is; not only is it a
certification of knowledge, it shows that you’re disciplined, hard-working, determined
and can finish what you’ve started. Maybe he’s right, especially considering he
has fired and hired his fair share of people in his career.
While those with a degree are experiencing about a 9 percent
rise in employment, those without one are experiencing a 9 percent decline in employment. Needless to say
that even though college has been tough and stressful, it’s an honor to be part
of the lucky 9 percent.
It will be comforting to know that when I walk into an
interview with my portfolio in-hand, that I can be confident in knowing I
deserve that job and have a higher chance of getting it.
