In the face of an economic recession and a weak job market, graduating CU seniors are facing an uncertain future. In light of this situation, the CU Independent has chosen two seniors who will be graduating this coming May. Every other Friday up until commencement on May 8, we will publish a story about these two individuals and how they are approaching the current job outlook.
With the unemployment rate steadily rising, it looks as though this year’s graduating seniors could have a difficult time landing a job in May. Two CU students are continuing their search for jobs while balancing challenging classes, internships and a social life.
Jessica Fontanesi, a 23-year-old psychology major from New Jersey, has plans to pursue a nursing degree in Montana upon graduation. Although Fontanesi currently studies psychology, she said she believes nursing is a particularly attractive career choice in a struggling economy.
“One reason I’m going into nursing, is that I’ll have a guaranteed job when I come out,” Fontanesi said.
In addition to the good employment prospects that come with a nursing degree, Fontanesi is convinced that nursing is an ideal career for her.
“I study psychology but I don’t want to be a psychologist,” she said. “I just want to help people, and I can do that in nursing.”
Caitlin Hart, a 21-year-old business marketing major from Denver, is also on track to graduate this May. She is currently completing an internship at an Internet deal-based company called eSwarm. Although she is finding the internship beneficial, she is keeping her employment options open.
“The internship is going really well, though I’m still looking for other jobs,” Hart said. “I am applying everywhere I can.”
Hart said she is actively pursuing jobs, but is having a difficult time securing employment. Part of the problem is that employers do not often declare whether they are actually hiring staff or just accepting resumes.
“I usually just send in my resume, and then call a few days latter to ensure they received it,” Hart said. “Often times they’re not actually hiring – just taking applications.”
Despite the fact that Hart does not currently have a paying job, she plans to spend Spring Break this year on holiday in Las Vegas.
“I am going to Las Vegas over the break with three friends,” Hart said. “None of us have every done anything like this over break – I’m really excited for it.”
Fontanesi said she also has plans to leave Colorado during the break.
“I am going to Oregon for a memorial service, and then I hope to go camping with a few friends,” she said.
Although she has not yet secured the type of employment she wants, Fontanesi is willing to work anywhere, so long as she can pay her bills.
“I am not all that worried about getting a job,” Fontanesi said. “I’ll work at McDonald’s if I have to, just as long as I can make enough money.”
Hart said she is open to working outside of Colorado, although she hopes to find a job in Denver. If she does not find employment by the end of the summer, however, she’ll have to move back in with her parents.
“My lease in Boulder ends in August, but I might move back into my parents’ house if I cannot find a job,” Hart said. “Because at the moment I don’t have much money.”
Hart said her parents do not mind her moving back home, as long as she is proactive in her job search.
“They are okay with me moving back,” Hart said. “But I have to be active looking for a job – I can’t just be bumming around.”
While this time of year is often stressful for college seniors, Hart is certainly not letting the bad economy bring down her spirits.
“So many of my friends who graduated last year don’t have jobs,” Hart said. “If I do not get one by graduation, it’s not the end of the world.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jason Barry at Jason.barry@colorado.edu.
