Taking your degree into bad economic times

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Having been a college recruiter and having a hand in deciding hirings in another lifetime, I found that a lot of people seem to discredit GPA when it comes to jobs in these times. And in reality, unless you’re going into academia, the degree you choose and your GPA does indeed make a difference in if you’re going to be accepted into a position of employment.

Now, people would disagree and talk about how experience is key and that most jobs do include OJT (on the job training). That being said, I have yet to see many governmental jobs that did not require even experienced people to meet a certain GPA requirement even with job experience. GPA from a corporate recruiting standpoint is a factor to decide upon when you’re debating over which candidate to take when you have no background on any of the finalists for a position. It’s also a factor in filtering through many qualified candidates. Unfortunately, those that have the patience to study and get good grades usually see the fruits of their labor in this sense.

Are their unique circumstances? Of course. But recruiting for a Fortune 500 company required a lot of layers in sifting through the right potential employees for the right positions. This being the case, their is always a deciding factor.

With all of the above said, GPA is not the only thing that college bound adults need to worry about. Gone are the days where you should approach education from a perspective of learning what you love and choosing the right education that’s right for you. When economics are bad, there are certain positions that seem to shine regardless of the times. Obviously there is always a need for doctors and those in the medical profession. The shortage there is never an issue. Same with accountants. Everything else is very much dependent on your general area and whom you serve.

I would even fathom that if you are getting a degree in human resources or even information technology, that your job might actually be out-sourced to another country. That’s what happens when globalization happens and times become tough. Seniority will prevail and jobs cut to “save”. Personally, I’ve often felt that upper-management making job cuts while taking million dollar salaries was very much hypocritical but that’s for another day.

Right now? I would recommend that those looking to choose your degree, to choose wisely. The reality of job searches is that it’s going to be tough in the upcoming years. If you’re almost graduating and it’s too late to change… that’s not an issue either. But beggars can’t be choosers. Be ready to move and live in places you might have never thought to receive a position and work for less than you imagined you’d be getting for an entry position. Don’t forget that you’ll be competing against experienced individuals in your field and that your only true “in” is that you’re cheaper labor and willingness to commit effort.

Everyone’s in a bind these days and you just have to play it smart when it comes to career placement.