The word “recession” sends chills down the spine of every politician up for reelection. For factory workers, it is a deadly life changing plague.
Economists recite inconceivable numbers about spending, unemployment and national debt trying to explain its impact.
But what is the true impact of the recession on college students? Think about it. What jobs are we losing or in danger of losing in between classes?
Has selling clothes, waiting tables, answering phones or being a cashier become a competition so deadly, we should start slipping $20 bills in with our resumes?
I am not saying the jobs college students have are unimportant or that we are all so similar, the effects of the recession are identical for everyone. But the majority of college students do not own homes, own majority stock or have dwindling retirement plans.
Tuition rises every year regardless of our overall economic status. I have heard the advice of experts telling everyone to actually go back to school for refuge.
An increase in students will actually assist schools that have to cut programs and staff because of reduced funding.
What the recession comes down to for most students is fear. Specifically, we fear the future work market. Students who were once content to get a bachelor’s degree, are now considering graduate school and a doctorate to postpone the inevitable hoping two more years will be enough time to fix everything.
Neither a bachelors nor doctorate is going to guarantee success in the future. Yes, I believe everyone should pursue as much education as they can; however, I also believe even during a recession, businesses want the brightest and most motivated to work for them.
This means instead of suddenly furiously applying for more financial aid to jump into the commitment to do more homework (yeah, homework) in graduate school, focus on being the best in your field and taking what is offered with impunity.
Internships are our secret weapons. Get in, work hard and make a boss wonder: “If they work this hard for free, how much better will they work when they get paid?”
If your hours are being cut, then fill time doing activities which make resumes gleam like diamonds under sunlight.
Better yet, actually fulfill the resolution of getting better grades. The recession does have long-reaching effects on our country.
However, as students, we have the power to restrict its status to the monster in the closet. It is only as scary as we make it.
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