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Grads Prepare for Uncertain Job Market

By Alexis J. Alexander
Black College Wire

At Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., graduating seniors such as Perry Apawu are wondering how the state of the economy will affect their chances of landing a job.

"There is a big misconception that graduates will get jobs right out of college," said Apawu, a senior business marketing major from Chicago. "It’s all about how you go about doing things. If I don’t get one job, then I’ll keep trying until I find what I’m looking for."

In December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate had dipped to 5.9 percent from 6 percent in October, and that November was the fourth straight month of rising employment.

The unemployment rate was 10.1 percent for African Americans and 7.3 percent for Latinos.

"African Americans, both male and female are hit hardest by recessions," said Andrew Muhammad, Southern University assistant professor of economics and finance. "Blacks are like a caboose and whites are like the engine. Blacks never really catch up."

In a December 2002 USA Today article entitled, "Job Hunt Gets Harder for African-Americans," Stephanie Armour listed several factors that could be driving the increase in unemployment: that African-Americans tend to be the last to be hired when the economy is booming and first to lose their jobs when a downturn hits; that retailing jobs tend to be disproportionately held by African-Americans, and that blacks disproportionately lack college degrees.

The unemployment rate of African-Americans is usually twice the overall unemployment percentage. When the economy is thriving, African-Americans are many times hired last.

They also tend to be the first to lose their jobs when a downturn hits.

"This is a time to give graduate school a harder look, since the market is tighter and more competitive," said Albert Samuels, assistant professor of political science.

Despite statistics, Muhammad offers clear-cut advice to his students. "Be willing to accept experience over money. The value of a job is more important."

Alexis J. Alexander, a student at Southern University, writes for The Southern Digest.

Posted Jan. 5, 2004