WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and SportsFinding the Right Job Out of College Could Send Students Back to School

Finding the Right Job Out of College Could Send Students Back to School

Eau Claire (WQOW) - Searching for the right job out of college could send more people right back to school.

On Monday, UW-Stout's chancellor discussed the current challenges grads face in this job market. He spoke in Eau Claire at a noon Rotary Club meeting.

He says education is so important in helping the economy get back on track. But with a lean job outlook students might be wondering what they'll find after graduation.

For college grads, there have always been two scenarios to consider when thinking about purusing a graduate degree.

"Get your degree and go work for a couple of years in your profession and get your feet on the ground, then you go back to grad school for a post-secondary degree," says Sorensen.

Or you could stay in school.

"Go right from the baccelaurate into a graduate program because after 2 years, maybe the MBA might give you the edge up," he says.

That edge could be especially helpful in the current job market. Another few years in school will give the economy time to bounce back. UW-Stout's chancellor says time is what's needed as the Midwest has had trouble replacing the auto industry as a major employer. However students who get good job offers are being told not to pass them up because experience is important along with paying off loans.

"If you get a job take it, that's the issue right now," says Sorensen.

However, those students making it into the workforce might not meet a paycheck up to par with previous years.

"I would imagine the salaries would be flat for the most part, unless you're in a high demand area," Sorensen says.

But most importantly Chancellor Sorensen says don't give up.

"For young people, they'll have to persevere. Stay in the market until you find what you want, but don't turn down an opportunity," he adds.

The chancellor says he hasn't seen students taking a job just to take a job.

Back to his meeting with the Rotary Club. He says the state's universities need to work together better to be able to adapt to changes in the job market.