Unemployment Rates at 9.6% Hurting College Graduates

According to the U.S Department of Labor, the national unemployment rate was last reported at a staggering 9.6% in August of this year. These results are especially disturbing to those who are currently unemployed and looking for a way back into the workforce. While most of us have long graduated from high school - or even college for that matter, the unemployment epidemic has seemed to contaminate the very essence of our livelihood. As society has taught us - a college degree was the way to a better life and a greater earning potential - but what does that say about the students who have recently graduated?

With the cost of college tuition going through the roof, it has left some students wondering if it's even worth pursuing. Unless you're going to a top-notch private school to be a lawyer or a doctor, you have to ask yourself - is it really worth going into an $80,000 to $100,000 debt for a career that will only pay $40,000 to $50,000 a year? In this situation, a student may benefit more from going to a lower priced school instead of a prestigious institution. Even then, a career in a specialized field is not guaranteed - thanks to unemployment.

A College Degree no Longer Protects from the Economic Recession

Simply put, there is just no room for the classes of '08 and '09. One student who recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin - with a degree in corporate communications and concentrations in business and Chinese - tells ABCNews.com - "I thought I would be set once I graduated. Of course, I was wrong. In order to pay the bills, I am doing random odd jobs, such as cleaning and helping people pack"

Another student tells CNN.com that she had to sue her Alma Mater for $72,000 - the full cost of her tuition - because she could not find a job and the Office of Career Advancement never helped her with full time job placement. Trina Thompson, 27, graduated from New York's Monroe College in April with a Bachelor of Administration in Information Technology.

Stories like these are common all throughout the United States. College grads with respectable degrees are reduced to working at fast food restaurants or bartending just to get by. Not only is it demeaning but it's a disgrace at best.

What to Do to Make Your Degree Work for You

Volunteer work - Although you may not be working in the field of your choice, doing volunteer work is a great way to network and exemplify your skills. If actively involved with the organization, an opportunity may arise based on your level of education. If you have a degree in communications, for instance, the best case scenario is you could end up as the spokesperson for that organization or even placed in a position dealing in media relations. It all depends on how hard you want it.

Start your own business - This may take time but that degree hanging on your wall will motivate you every time you look at it. First, start by building a website to offer your services far below the price of your competitors. Let people know you have a degree in said field but unable to find a job where you can use your expertise. Display your credentials. Honesty never fails and eventually, you'll slowly but for surely develop business. On the other hand, some online companies may be looking for someone in your field. Don't limit yourself to just employers in your hometown. Use the internet to make it happen.

Market yourself to unlikely employers - Build a portfolio of your education and work experience - meaning - don't create just a resume - but include high quality professional photos of yourself. This can add a nice touch to your credentials, education and work experience. Once your portfolio is complete, send it off to companies that wouldn't, otherwise, advertise in common venues such as career worksites. This may take some research on your part and never guaranteed, but it is time well spent. You'll have an amazing sense of accomplishment knowing that someone important could identify your skills and offer a lucrative opportunity.

The most important thing to remember is a degree - in any field - demonstrates a broad range of skills and expertise. If employers in your immediate area are not willing to take you on, then think outside the box. Ask yourself, what are you willing to sacrifice to work in the field that just cost you 4 or more years of your life and thousands of dollars?