Find a halfway decent job and take it? Did I say that?
Appalachian State University graduates walked off the stage this weekend and into a world of uncertainty.
The recession may be over, but its aftermath leaves a lot to be desired for job-seekers, ASU economist John Whitehead said.
"The job market is not great right now," he said, and, while the job market does pick up post-recession, it's still not great news yet for grads.
"Economic growth will increase and people will start making money but employers don't start hiring right away," he said. "Graduates this semester are going to face some challenges."
He has some advice for those newly capped.
"Find a halfway decent job and take it," he said. "Get some work experience and keep your eyes open. Do the best you can. There's not much you can do about the economy. You just have to roll the dice and do the best you can."
Local elected officials have a more cheerful message for graduates.
"Pause and appreciate the blessing of living in this truly rare country we have that offers so much," state Sen. Dan Soucek said.
At the risk of facing the fiery flames of hell:
Here is more advice:
"While at times the challenges and changes of life may feel so overwhelming that you want to take a time out from it all, by having completed your degree, you've chosen to participate in the world and obligated yourself to working toward solutions to our most pressing problems and to creating a future that is better and stronger for those who follow behind you," Sen. Richard Burr said. "Carry on the legacy of those who have supported you in getting to this degree and this college by thinking big and by taking on the responsibility to find your way to solve the problems of today and to make this world a better place. Don't complain that the pace of change is too quick or that the global genie is out of the bottle. See it as an unlimited opportunity for success."
"My advice is straight-forward: work hard," U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx said. "Whether you are in the workplace or volunteering or even in the context of family, always work to go above and beyond what is expected of you."
Three of the 14 economics graduates who walked on Sunday have lined up jobs (that they were willing to share with me).
