I Just Graduated... Now What?!

For the recent college graduate and the graduating class of 2010, its apparent that life may not be as our parents told us. The United States faces an economic crisis and an unemployment fiasco the likes of which have not been seen in America since the great depression of the 1930s. The question I and many other college age people are asking at this point in time is "How am I going to be able to sustain myself and make my degree work for me?"

With the nation's unemployment rate hitting 10.2% in October of this year its hard to believe that as a young person there will be a preferred position in a preferred firm upon graduating from an institution of higher learning. In a November 30th New York Times Article, In Job Hunt, College Degree Can't Close Racial Gap, the author Michael Luo points out that the unemployment rate of Black men with college degrees is actually twice that of their white counterparts (8.4% and 4.4% respectively). I decided to sit down with Mr. Runako Galstone an employee of Harlem Children's Zone and a recent 2009 graduate of Howard University to discuss this trend.

Mr. Galstone stated that while he initially struggled to find employment he did indeed find a position. "The key is to be creative in your approach when seeking employment but to also understand the political and economic situation this country is in right now." Mr. Galstone believes being a Howard University alumni gave him a leg up on his competition. "The institution that I came from was a definite help, it not only prepared me for what was to come but also helped nurture me even after graduation". When asked what was his biggest concern he stated "The fiscal security of this country and a lot of big companies is uncertain at this time, I would like to make sure that I am able to provide for myself and my family no matter what is to come". There is a definite universality to Mr. Galstone's statement. Despite the current economic outlook, it is my hope as I am sure it is yours that we are all able to finance our own security and that of those we care about. What happens after graduation? Life. And for me, and many Black men like me, life is about finding a way to reach your goals no matter what.