UT graduates now face tough job market

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In they marched, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Ready to grab their diploma and take a bite out of the world. But these days the world is biting back.

Thousands of University of Texas seniors began their commencement exercises Friday but they know a tough economy awaits them.

"I'm a little worried but I decided to go to law school, so I have three years to think about it," said senior Christina Altmire.

"Things are tough out there right now," sighed Luis Gomez.

The graduates are not the only ones worried. So are their families.

"Yes, we are [worried]. We're always going to be worried with the economy going on today. It's hard for everybody," said UT mom Gwendolyn Hudspeth.

It's not all doom and gloom. Texas has a quarter-million new jobs in the past year. Friday unemployment inched down to 8 percent, and it's 7 percent in Austin.

The Texas Workforce Commission 's Lisa Givens said there are plenty of jobs out there, especially if a student studied in the right field.

"Anything in science technology, engineering and math is always a good bet. Health care areas are good fields to get into as well," she said.

Many graduates heading into their ceremonies said they already have jobs -- an extra reason to be happy on this occasion.