Grads fret about jobs, low pay

• By MARSHA SILLS
• Advocate Acadiana bureau
• Published: Oct 18, 2008 - Page: 1BA - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The economy’s downturn has caused some upcoming college grads to step up their job searches.

While the job market in Acadiana isn’t without opportunities, some University of Louisiana at Lafayette seniors are still worried about the impact it will have on their paycheck.

“I don’t want my wages to downsize because of the economy,” said Dominique Lucas, a senior biology major who will graduate in December. “You’re not guaranteed anything just because you have a degree.”

Upcoming ULL grads had a day last week to take care of commencement business — buy a cap and gown, order invitations, pose for a professional graduation portrait, and get a little career advice.

“My advice is, get the résumé together. It’s time to get started and start exploring your options,” said Kim Billeaudeau, director of ULL’s Career Services. The department offers free résumé, interview and career counseling to students and alumni, as well as services for companies, including organizing recruiting and interview days for employers.

Acadiana is typically insulated from the waxing and waning of the housing and stock markets, however a recent state economic forecast cast a bleak future for job creation. Statewide, job growth is forecast at one-tenth of 1 percent in 2009 and possibly 1.5 percent in 2010.

The forecast, by economist Loren Scott and other LSU economics professors, was a bit brighter for Lafayette with a 2 percent growth in new jobs expected in the next two years.

Full-time entry level job listings and the number of recruiters haven’t declined, a good sign for grads, Billeaudeau said.

Billeaudeau said her office has remained busy posting jobs and hosting employers’ job searches.

“Things seem to be still very positive for our graduates and our local economy has a lot to do with that,” she said.

Lucas, who’s also contemplating medical school, wants to have some money in her pocket before she continues her education. She hasn’t started her job search for a good reason.

“This semester’s really hard right now and stressful. This month is full of tests,” she said.

The concern is especially heightened for those non-traditional students returning to the workforce in traditionally lower-paying fields, such as social services.