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Jed Boal ReportingThousands of Utahns are receiving their college degrees this spring, but will it land them a job? One thing they're learning is they face plenty of uncertainty in the post-college world.
The job search will likely take months and the current climate of global tension presents tremendous challenges for their generation. But the graduates at Weber State tonight are hardly discouraged and got sound advice on the way out the door.
Graduation is a time to celebrate, think of past accomplishments, and move on to new goals. But a lot has changed since the class of 2004 first started school. More than 2000 Weber State grads are taking the first strides in a new journey.
Ken Whipple, Graduate: “My wife and I are both graduating tonight. It's great, I can't believe it's here."
Lectures and papers are past; they're on the threshold of careers in a rebounding job market.
Jason Wright, Graduate: “I've sent out resumes, but I haven't had any opportunities."
It’s not time to panic. A national survey shows employers will increase hiring this year nearly 13-percent, but it should take about six months to land that first job unless your skills are in demand.
Lisa Henderson, Graduate: “I'm actually going to teach school; that's a pretty easy job market."
As these graduates gaze ahead there are other concerns.
Tyler Henderson, Graduate: “There's obvious issues. The economy is down, the war -- college graduates have a hand in saying what goes on in the near future."
Keynote Speaker Dr. Omar Kader, a Utah native, is a prominent advocate for peace in the Middle East.
Dr. Omar Kader, Keynote Speaker: “Individuals make a difference and history is made by individuals, not by mass society, not by organizations but individuals."
Kader told the graduates strong individuals have always stepped up in uncertain times, often unexpectedly.
Dr. Omar Kader, Keynote Speaker: “I want these students to realize they may raise the next Einstein, or be the next Einstein."
Kader says uncertainty creates fear and anxiety, and opportunity; within every crisis there is opportunity and chances for new career to blossom.
Dr. Omar Kader, Keynote Speaker: “They ought to look at all the new transitions that are coming along as opportunity. Don't let this uncertainty get them down or give them anxiety. It should give them hope."
Dr. Kader works professionally with interns from each of the major colleges in Utah. He says our graduates have as great an opportunity for success as any in the country.
