The New Graduate's Guide to Finding the Best Employment

Every new group of college graduates faces its own set of challenges, but the graduating class currently entering the job market is certainly facing an uphill battle. Finding meaningful employment in an environment of rising job cuts and record high unemployment is daunting to say the least, and it is important for today's graduates to prepare themselves for what will likely be a long and difficult job search.

Of course some graduates will have it easier than others, and it is important to look at those sectors of the economy that continue to struggle as well as those sectors that are so far weathering the recession rather well. New college graduates with a degree in finance may find it difficult to land their dream job at an investment bank, but they may be able to find a more pedestrian position at a smaller local bank or credit union.

In today's economy it is important for all college graduates to set realistic expectations as they search for that all important first job. The economy is bound to improve in the future, and those graduates who have gained the experience they need may find themselves more in demand and in a better position to land that dream job.

Fortunately there are some parts of the economy that are still doing well, and new college graduates may want to look to those sectors for employment opportunities. For example health care has thus far been remarkably resistant to the ravages of the recession, so those who have studied nursing, health care administration, medicine, research and related fields are likely to find themselves in high demand. Those who studied other fields in college can still find opportunities in health care, from management openings at hospitals to administrative opportunities in medical offices.

Health insurance is another industry that has thus far held up well in the current economic climate. Many companies have been taking a hard look at their expenditures for employee benefits, and that has meant opportunities for nimble health insurers. There are many great opportunities for those with training and expertise in health insurance and employee benefits, and college graduates may want to check out insurers in their areas for new opportunities. Large health insurers like Aetna and Coventry are still hiring, and they are expected to take on their share of new college graduates in the coming year.

Many technology companies are still hiring as well, and those with technical degrees may find themselves in higher demand than many of their peers. Microsoft made big headlines when it announced its first layoffs in history, but new graduates may still want to put in a resume at this venerable Redmond institution. Technical expertise is always in high demand, and technology companies are expected to begin hiring again as soon as the economic climate starts looking up.