Students may have noticed a decrease in available jobs this summer. Several economic factors have contributed to the economic downturn and the resulting lack of jobs.
Burak Hurmeydan, an economics graduate assistant, said the sluggish economy is because of factors such as gross domestic product and changes in technology.
“If production is decreasing, we expect more unemployment in the near future,” Hurmeydan said.
In addition, Hurmeydan said advances in technology allow businesses to use less people and more machines, thus reducing the number of available jobs.
Mary Feduccia, Career Services director, said despite the tight job market, the Career Services Web site has seen an increase in the number of internships employers post.
The Career Services TigerTRAK Web site allows employers to post job openings and internships at their companies, Feduccia said. Students can search the site to find internships compatible with their majors.
“Internships can actually be more valuable to students because they provide work related experience,” Feduccia said.
Feduccia said internships related to a student’s major field of study can prove valuable both before and after graduation.
According to cnn.com, the unemployment rate is 6.4 percent, the highest since 1994.
Students had mixed opinions about the current state of the economy.
“It’s been better, but it’s not that bad,” said Eric Wade, a computer science sophomore. “I think it’s just all a political battle.”
Robin Williams, a sports medicine senior from the University of Virginia, said she knows more students are looking at graduate school as an option instead of employment.
“It’s surprising that it’s gotten this bad, but it has affected me in planning my future,” Williams said. “I’ve even debated going to med school because being a doctor is more stable than being a physical therapist,” she said.
Georgianna Forest, an international studies and history senior, said jobs are available if students are not picky.
“Most of them can find jobs, it’s just not what they want,” she said.