Due to the weak economy in Michigan, graduating seniors have had to look outside the Great Lakes state for potential jobs.

“Volkswagen is currently moving their NA Headquarters to Virginia, which has forced me to look outside of Michigan to join their company,” Smith said. “Many Automotive suppliers also aren’t in the best shape (struggling to avoid bankruptcy), which has made them much more careful in adding to their workforce”

According the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2008 Job Outlook report, employers are expecting to hire eight percent more graduates compared to their actual amount of hires from the class of 2007.

Although the expected amount of graduates companies are expected to hire is positive, the number has fallen from a 16 percent outlook predicted during the fall of 2007.

According to Shana Plasters, director of career development, although the economy is down, companies are still hiring entry level positions for new graduates of any major.

“It’s taking students a little longer to find these [entry level] positions, and there may not be as many offers as past years, but companies are still hiring,” Plasters said. “Finding a job is a full time job. Students have to utilize every source [websites, networking, friends] and be patient with the process.”

Vicki Sweitzer, economics and management professor, who used to work in Executive Education at Harvard Business School and was involved in Human Resource Management, recommends that students simply “cold call” a company to find out about job openings or internship opportunities.

“Just because that place does not have any openings, does not mean a student shouldn't try,” Sweitzer said. “I have known many people who have gained a position doing this very thing [cold call a company] because the company appreciates the confidence and proactive nature the student presents.”

Specifically in Michigan, the highest growth occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree are computer systems analysts, accountants and operations managers, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.

Among fields predicted to have a lower job growth specifically is teaching, which according to Jason Moritz, the Albion College education department’s certification officer, has forced many Albion education students out of state.

“Michigan is net exporting teachers,” Moritz said. “This is primarily due to adults and children leaving the state and schools needing to be closed.”

According to Plasters, having a liberal arts degree positions students to stand out to employers.

“In many ways a liberal arts degree is an advantage,” Plasters said. “Employers are looking for things like communication, problem solving and teamwork skills. [However], students have to be able to show through a resume and an interview though specific examples that demonstrate these skills. Just saying you have a liberal arts background isn't enough.”