Solid job market awaits soon-to-be college graduates

Good news soon-to-be grads. After you get that diploma a relatively promising job market awaits.

“Unemployment for recent college graduates is down to it’s lowest levels since 2008.” Said Salisbury University Career Services Director, Kevin Fallon.

Fallon tells us that a few factors come into play when talking about the increased job prospects. An improving economy and the retirement of baby boomers.He expects to see a consistent demand for young talent in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering and math). Even so, he tells us a shift is taking place in what skills employers are looking for.

“They’re caring less and less about their degrees. 93% of them (employers) said they care less about the degree and care more about structure problem-solving, communications, critical thinking. Those are all things that tend to favor the liberal arts major.” Said Fallon.

UMES Career and Professional Development Director, Dr. Theresa Queenan agrees with Fallon that the job market has gotten better. However, she says that doesn’t necessarily translate to quick success.
“Students are going to be going into a workforce that is competitive and the problem is the employers have trimmed back on positions.” Queenan told 47 ABC.

Her recommendation for staying relevant in the workforce while the loan repayments creep up? Stay active and keep learning in the job you have so you become a better candidate for the job you dream about.

“That might not be that job that they are looking for, but it’ll be a job that’s close in their major so that they can pick up the skills that they’ll need,”

We’re told another key to landing the job you want is your appearance online. Both Fallon and Queenan stress that your social media accounts are under the microscope more now, than ever before.

For those grads who have student loans and no job you’ll have to pay back that loan one way or the other.But at least there’s options.

Ellen Soulis, Financial Aid Loan Advisor at Wor-Wic Community College, says a number of options are available to those with loan issues.

Soulis tells us you can apply for loan deferment or forbearance.

In deferring the loans you can temporarily delay the payment on the principal and interest.

If you qualify for a forbearance, you’ll be able to stop making payments for 12 months. Interest will accrue on subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

You also have a variety of repayment plans. Such as a graduated plan where the payments start small and increase every two years. A extended plan, which stretches out payments over 25 years. Solace says this option brings high interest rates.

Lastly we’re told you can opt for an income-based payment plan. There you’d have an extended payment period with the amounts based off on your income.

Click here to see if you qualify for any of these options.