By Alexandra Gargon (Staff Writer)

Recent graduates have been having a difficult time finding work in their field of study.

“I think it’s just how the economy is right now,” said Melinda Good, a liberal studies major who graduated in July and found a job after looking for several months.

Some graduates find job hunting difficult because they do not have work experience yet.

“Employers are looking for experienced professionals in business, so it sucks for people like me,” said Justin Thompson, who graduated in the spring. “We can only get part-time jobs that really don’t help our resumes too much.”

Others are finding it difficult to get an entry-level job.

“There are very few entry-level jobs available, particularly with a communications and media-related major,” said Mark Wheeler, a media arts major who graduated in 2008.

This topic has been of major concern to Kathleen Jacobs, a business professor, all summer.

More students are dropping out because they only focus on the fact that they will most likely be in debt, she said. They worry about not being able to afford it, instead of realizing that college is more of an investment.

It took Good a long time to find a job.

“I had to take some pretty lousy jobs until I found one that was right for me,” Good said.

Because we live in a knowledge-based society, employers are looking for people with a college degree, Jacobs said. The debt and economy are excuses for not finishing college, and this is very dangerous.

“They don’t have the understanding of the adverse impact of dropping out of college on their pocketbooks,” she said.

Students and graduates are negative about the economy.

“I’m looking for any full-time job I can find,” Thompson said.

There is a lack of understanding of society as a whole and the requirements of the job market and that is why so many students do not finish school, Jacobs said.

Increasing unemployment rates are also a concern.

“I just got laid off from Brandywine Creek State Park,” Wheeler said. “I have applied to two places so far and I have posted my resume on job sites.”

Internships could help students get their foot in the door with a company they would like to work for.

“I would advise [upcoming graduates] to job shadow and find a place they would really like to work and maybe offer to volunteer till they graduate so they have something lined up,” Good said.