College graduates embark on job hunt

AUSTIN (KXAN) - College graduates are about to enter the workforce during these tough economic times.

As they bury their noses in books during finals week, many students are also sending out resumes, hoping to find a job.

"It's daunting," said Laura Tulli, who graduates in a couple weeks.

Tulli finished the University of Texas, Austin's advertising program in just three years.

"My friends asked me 'Why did you do that?' and even more so now," said Tulli. "I didn't know this was coming."

Tulli admitted it is a tough time to look for a job.

"It's a feeling that everyone is kind of nervous about it," said Tulli.

"My parents are being really supportive, because they know I'm doing everything I can," said Tulli. "You can't force people to hire you. You can't force there to be a position for you."

Graduates' job outlook is not great, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reports the unemployment rate rose from 8.5 to 8.9 percent in April.

One Austin executive, Zach Metzner, wanted to help the job seekers in their quest for employment.

Metzner launched a new, local Web site called JoblessJoe.com. It offers unemployment resources, forums for a positive and supportive community and career-coaching tips for job hunters.

"One of the big, big things of the site is keeping positive, and it's tough out there," said Metzner.

One of the Web site's features is rate your resume, where other users offer feedback. They are useful career tips and advice to help Central Texans land a job.

That Web site is bound to get quite a lot of hits in the next couple weeks. Texas State University's Spring 2009 commencement is Friday and Saturday while the University of Texas's graduation ceremonies start on May 21.

Some students are taking to further their education when they cannot find a job. Cameron Thibos is pursuing his PhD at Oxford after he gets his Master's degree at UT in Middle Eastern students because he cannot find employment.

"I think there are going to be a lot of PhD graduates in the next three or four years looking for jobs," said Thibos.