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Commentary: Show me the jobs

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Jan. 11, 2011 - Where are the jobs? It's a question I think about a lot, as my little brother nears his graduation day, and lots of my recently graduated friends remain unemployed (or unhappily employed). I feel so fortunate to have a job right now, but I worry about the people in my life who haven't found their lucky break yet.

I read the other day that the Labor Department has released figures showing the unemployment rate fell to 9.4 percent in December. Economic forecasters seem to be leaning toward predictions of employment growth in 2011. I wonder when we will really start to notice any changes.

One of my friends is taking classes at SWIC just to retain her "student" status and avoid paying off student loans. Others are still working retail and food-service jobs that they held part-time during college. Some are accepting unpaid internships with the hope of moving into a paid position at some point.

These aren't unusual stories; the fact that these types of stories are so commonplace makes the situation all the more alarming. Today's college graduation is becoming less an event to look forward to and more a frightening day to delay as long as possible. With so many young, educated people currently unemployed, the modern college graduate can't help but to feel a bit disillusioned with higher education.

I know that's how I felt when I received my journalism degree and started sending out resumes. It was frustrating and disheartening looking for jobs, but I found ways to get by -- I did a few internships, built a portfolio of my work and spent an eye-opening year abroad. What could have been a terribly depressing first post-graduation year turned out to be just the experience I needed to end up here at the Beacon.

Maybe 2011 will hold a few pleasant surprises for us. Perhaps change is truly underway and the upcoming class of graduates will find the transition from college to workforce a bit easier. But if that change is slow, I hope the graduates will find ways to make the most of their situation. Be patient, persistent and proud of all that you've accomplished, and I know good things will (eventually) come your way.

Megan Laux is on the Beacon staff.