Though the economy is not in a recession, it is definitely at a slow. This could have an effect on graduating seniors at the University of Florida planning to enter the workforce come this May. Any economist would have predicted a recession if the price of oil and gas was as high as it is today, said Professor of Economics at UF, Mark Rush. "We should be surprised at how strong the economy is right now for what it is going through." If students want to avoid trying to find a job while the economy is this slow, they should consider going to graduate school. He predicts that it should be doing better by this time next year, said Rush. "I would hope these tips aren't only for hard times." Graduating students should also consider being more flexible and open minded to the locations of the jobs or opportunities that come their way. Reading the newspaper daily can also be a benefit in any situation. "I think they're finding out," said Rush, in regards to seniors being aware of the effect of the slow economy. There have been less actively recruiting journalism organizations particularly because of a budget cut, said Director Charles Harris of the Knight Division for Scholarships, Career Services & Multicultural Affairs. "I don't think it's anything students should be alarmed with." In the school of Journalism and Communications, journalism majors are probably the most affected when it comes to looking for a job. Sometimes in a downturn, companies want to advertise more, Harris said. There are telecommunications job announcements daily and he has not seen a lessening in job offers for public relations and advertising students. When there is a slight decrease in job availability, students should be more aggressive, Harris said. "Instead of focusing on only one major, expand your search to find a job in any communications field." "I have probably applied to 50 jobs in New York City," said Sherry Kasten, a graduating senior majoring in journalism at UF. She is trying to get into the entertainment business and has been applying to stations like NBC, ABC and CBS. Because she has only been applying and not yet had any interviews or offers, she is unsure if the slow economy will be an effect on her job offers. "I never really thought about it, but now that you mentioned it, I did notice less journalism organizations at the job fairs this year." She is planning to begin working for a firm or station by August 2008 if possible. "I am graduating with a degree in advertising and had planned to go into the field of journalism," said Brandon Cook, graduating senior at UF. Unfortunately, it was harder for him to find a firm to hire him than he thought it would be, and after speaking with advisors, family and the Knight Division he decided to alter his plans. Now he is continuing his education with graduate school in order to gain a competitive advantage, Cook said. "I think graduate school will be better for me anyway because I didn't have any jobs lined up, and I was a little nervous about being able to succeed in the real world." | 
