While many graduates may often find themselves without a job after college, statistical evidence indicates a gradual decline in the unemployment rate for students fresh out of school.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website, the national average unemployment rate for both men and women between the ages 16-24 with a bachelor’s degree or higher was 8.2 percent in December 2012. This figure compares to a noticeably higher average unemployment rate of 8.75 percent of the same category in October 2011 and 10.05 percent in October 2009.

Another census conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows quarterly averages of unemployment rates over the past three years to follow a slight downward trend for all workers aged 25 and up with a bachelor’s degree or higher, which could mean things are turning around for the better in the workforce.

Fortunately, unemployment has dropped all across the country and college graduates seem to be seizing the opportunity. Beth Merritt Miller, Director of Academic Advising in the Career Center, said Sac State should be no exception. 

Miller said Sacramento’s economy has been improving with more job recruiting taking place this year. She also said proactive students starting as early as their junior year were most likely to find work in any given field of study.

“The more applied fields like engineering are stable, but there are lots of jobs for all majors,” said Miller. “Getting work experience, such as an internship or volunteer experience, will make students more marketable when they graduate regardless of their major.”

Even with unemployment rates slowly decreasing over time, countless alumni are still struggling to find work after college.

Alumnae Merisa Moy and Kaitlyn Yergensen, who just graduated in December, are both unemployed and seeking work.

Moy, who graduated with a general management and human resources degree, found her situation to be both a blessing and a curse at the same time.

“I’m in a position to do whatever I want to do without a job at the moment,” Moy said. “I would like to pursue my own business venture, which I currently have the freedom to do, but if a job comes my way that I feel will help me down the line, I’d probably have to take it.”

Yergensen, who majored in business marketing, said she was grateful to have her part-time internship marketing for Noodles & Company while she completed applications day-in and day-out for marketing coordinator positions.

“It’s hard applying for the jobs I want because they all require you to have three to seven years of experience,” Yergensen said. “Even if you get considered for an entry-level position, you’re one of 300 people applying for the same thing. So I’m building up to that dream job in the meantime.”

Yergensen said her internship through the Disney College Program was helpful to some degree, but making connections and networking are key to getting a job right out of college.

Having recently worked for Sac State’s Student Advancement Council, Moy agreed knowing someone could easily get you a job.

“I’ve talked to a lot of alumni and they all pretty much say the same thing: It’s who you know,” Moy said.

The numbers might look hopeful for now, but plenty of graduates are still jobless and knocking on doors. Some of Sac State’s own alumni attest that persistence and contacts will prove crucial in who gets hired and who does not.