what the hell do unemployed college graduates do all day

[BayGBM]

x100 we struggle like crazy to pay for groceries while Im in school full time, and my wife is working 2 jobs, and we barely get by. I even had to apply for food stamps when I lost my weekend job just to try and make ends meet.
Were making it now but just barely. Cost of food just seems to keep getting higher and higher.

Not only are prices getting higher but the products are shrinking like crazy.  Cereal boxes are much smaller now than when I was a kid.  Ditto for toothpaste, toilet tissue, toaster pastries... you name it.  In fact, a while back one of those TV news magazines had a segment on it.  They called it: The Incredible Shrinking Products.  Vendors are charging you more and literally giving you less! 

[apply85]

btw the chicken in coco nut and stock is what they call asian fusion lol, its because it's a thai dish but it has chicken stock, thai never ever use stock, for some reason they like their proteins to be cookd to hell and chewy

but the stock u put in there is less for the sauce but for the chicken, the liquid u boil the chicke in wont pull all the fat and moisture out of the chicken if the liquid already contains some of those things from the stock

big big principle of cooking that is good to know since eating well = happiness

and also why i say dont put salt into stock, because when u make stock u want everything from the veggies and trimmings and bone to come out, u do this by pulling the sugars and sodiums out which will force the flavor out into the liquid

[apply85]

It's still a valid career.

what u talking about careers

im talking about out of work lawyers, every layer with a career is not unemployed

having a degree and no job =/= career

[OneMoreRep]

Do you folks have wholesale distributors where you reside?

For instance, here in New York we have Costco's, which allows you to buy food and everyday products for wholesale prices and in bulk, thereby significantly reducing your costs in the long run.

"1"

[MP]

More than anything else, the individual no doubt has the most control over his life.

However, no one has stated the obvious in this thread! Obama. He's ruining our country.

We need to get him out, so that our economy can start to turn around again.

[diamondcut]

One major key to life is RESEARCH and PLAN...don't care if you go Military, Trade School, College or whatever after HS...you need to have a LIVING and BREATHING LONG TERM PLAN so you can adapt to changes..don't just sign up for shit thinking things will work out just because you did what you THINK is ok because you were told this was the way to go by some commercial, some fool, a high paying job "title"....etc

I remember when everybody in the late 90's early 2000 jumped on the computer science program b/c of the "guaranteed $100,000" starting salary out of college bullshit. Don't be sold on shit like that (it's a $$$ generating scheme many fall for)..do some research on what is NEEDED for the next generation(s) and if it fits your M.O. and you like it go for it.  

Right now they got so many damn fools in technology field it's a crying shame. Zero background,straight out of college and don't know shit and too afraid to learn new sh*t because they have no passion. Just "the hot degree" to have. The industry is flooded with complete dumb asses now.

Don't get me wrong there are "some" sharp kids coming out, but they are usually the ones who get it and are willing to work for it.....most i've met, interviewed, hired and fired....complete idiots with no passion for the trade.

hey man, are you in the engineering field?

[T-rex]

x100 we struggle like crazy to pay for groceries while Im in school full time, and my wife is working 2 jobs, and we barely get by. I even had to apply for food stamps when I lost my weekend job just to try and make ends meet.
Were making it now but just barely. Cost of food just seems to keep getting higher and higher.

Fuck bro. That about killed me to hear. Children?

[K-1]

hey man, are you in the engineering field?

Yes. In systems right now for a prominent DOD contractor.

Before then I was an IT Director, Net/Sys admin, Sys analyst, Military Electronic Warfare.. Only 34 yrs old. BS and MS.   

[diamondcut]

so i assume you studied computer science or computer engineering in school? what college? how was your gpa?

are you big on gpa when looking at potential hires? what made you fire some of the guys that have worked for you?

also, you seem to have held down a lot of jobs, did you get laid off often or were you always looking for something better

i am intrigued, sorry for all the questions, thanks for your time K1

[K-1]

so i assume you studied computer science or computer engineering in school?

I started computer science then switched over to network and systems engineering.


what college? AA in community college in Jacksonville, transferred to Barry University in Miami Shores for my BS and got my MS from Florida Institute of Technology.

how was your gpa? don't remember during my AA (was young and partying lol), BS got serious was older had like a 3.5 or some shit graduated cum laude. MS had like a 3.7 or something.

are you big on gpa when looking at potential hires? NOPE!!! Never even cared what the GPA was..in technology it's all about "how your mind works" and "do you have the mind for the field"

what made you fire some of the guys that have worked for you? They were not consistent with their interviews AT ALL. Please understand that most of us in the technology world our resumes look almost identical (only difference is age, years doing a certain job, certifications..yadda..y adda)

Interviews can be technical, HR style, Personality type..etc. I never cared how much somebody knew...I cared about "their mind" ..in I.T. it's all about trying, research, thinking, common sense...nobody knows everything or has every answer...if they say they do..don't even waste time with them. Technology is a changing field so the individual has to have that type of mindset or else they will be irrelevant in one year now.

Being lazy and not a fast, aggressive learner is not a good trait these days either.

also, you seem to have held down a lot of jobs, did you get laid off often or were you always looking for something better

I was laid off when I worked as a support rep about 10 years ago and I was laid off after 5 years as an analyst ..in both situations the jobs relocated/were bought out. The other positions were me wanting more of a challenge, more responsibility. (notice I mentioned nothing about $$$) the money came along the way basically.

i am intrigued, sorry for all the questions, thanks for your time K1

No problem man. Always willing to share as much as I can

[BIG ACH]

engineers and lawyers have some of the highest unemployment rate for people seeking employment in their degree, from what i remember. not sure about engineers i think it's just for certain engineering specialties. but i know lawyers have trouble finding work unless they graduate from a prestigious school with good grades, then they make a ton of cash.

The issue is that so many engineers don't have any people skills...  they're just very technical individuals...  and today's job market is looking at that technical resume, but they also want to know that you'll be a team player, potentially a good manager, a good negotiator, etc.

Thats why a lot of Engineering programs are starting to shift around their curriculum and introducing elements from business, public relations, etc. to build well rounded engineers that can do more than just crunch some numbers.


I can honestly say that sometimes I've felt that my people / business skills have benefited me more in the 'real' world than my Engineering knowledge.  I'm not saying that my background in engineering is a waste.  Engineering is the core, and you build and utilize other skills around it to get ahead and succeed!


Oh, And on another note, personally, I find it ridiculous that you have people taking out loans for $40,000 to pay for a degree in Dance at a private university (Yes I know people that did that).....  then they go cry "Occupy Wallstreet!"   Wtf  

[T-rex]

I haven't been married or had children yet. But my heart goes out to all you guys out there with mouths to feed. Idk how you do it. I live on my own and I am barely able to keep my checking account full. I sure as hell don't have a savings account. Nothing to put in it thanks to school loans, living on credit cards while going to school, mortgage etc. It almost seems impossible to even bring children into this world unless you're very well off. From the parents i've spoken to, the cost to maintain a child is astronomical. Then throw daycare in there holy shit! From a fiscal standpoint having a child nowadays is almost financial suicide for some.

[diamondcut]

so i assume you studied computer science or computer engineering in school?

I started computer science then switched over to network and systems engineering.


what college? AA in community college in Jacksonville, transferred to Barry University in Miami Shores for my BS and got my MS from Florida Institute of Technology.

how was your gpa? don't remember during my AA (was young and partying lol), BS got serious was older had like a 3.5 or some shit graduated cum laude. MS had like a 3.7 or something.

are you big on gpa when looking at potential hires? NOPE!!! Never even cared what the GPA was..in technology it's all about "how your mind works" and "do you have the mind for the field"

what made you fire some of the guys that have worked for you? They were not consistent with their interviews AT ALL. Please understand that most of us in the technology world our resumes look almost identical (only difference is age, years doing a certain job, certifications..yadda..y adda)

Interviews can be technical, HR style, Personality type..etc. I never cared how much somebody knew...I cared about "their mind" ..in I.T. it's all about trying, research, thinking, common sense...nobody knows everything or has every answer...if they say they do..don't even waste time with them. Technology is a changing field so the individual has to have that type of mindset or else they will be irrelevant in one year now.

Being lazy and not a fast, aggressive learner is not a good trait these days either.

also, you seem to have held down a lot of jobs, did you get laid off often or were you always looking for something better

I was laid off when I worked as a support rep about 10 years ago and I was laid off after 5 years as an analyst ..in both situations the jobs relocated/were bought out. The other positions were me wanting more of a challenge, more responsibility. (notice I mentioned nothing about $$$) the money came along the way basically.

i am intrigued, sorry for all the questions, thanks for your time K1

No problem man. Always willing to share as much as I can

thank you so much man!

i will keep these things in mind when looking for my next mechanical engineering full time position!

[HTexan]

seriously

i have a friend who just graduated less than a month ago, tells me how he's bored all the time

i have some friends who haven't found full time jobs in over a year and a half after graduation

what the fuck do these people do all day

If they have experience, they can do stuff. The problem is getting a job without the experience.

[BIG ACH]

If they have experience, they can do stuff. The problem is getting a job without the experience.

Thats why one has to settle for a job that may not pay so hot... and start to build up experience, work for a good company, get on some good projects, build some sort of reputation then later when you apply for another job, you have that on your resume!

[diamondcut]

The issue is that so many engineers don't have any people skills...  they're just very technical individuals...  and today's job market is looking at that technical resume, but they also want to know that you'll be a team player, potentially a good manager, a good negotiator, etc.

Thats why a lot of Engineering programs are starting to shift around their curriculum and introducing elements from business, public relations, etc. to build well rounded engineers that can do more than just crunch some numbers.


I can honestly say that sometimes I've felt that my people / business skills have benefited me more in the 'real' world than my Engineering knowledge.  I'm not saying that my background in engineering is a waste.  Engineering is the core, and you build and utilize other skills around it to get ahead and succeed!


Oh, And on another note, personally, I find it ridiculous that you have people taking out loans for $40,000 to pay for a degree in Dance at a private university (Yes I know people that did that).....  then they go cry "Occupy Wallstreet!"   Wtf  

lol, i agree with you on all points. i graduated with some international students in engineering, they were very book smart but did not have people skills nor did they know how to communicate effectively in conversation (can't fault them TOO much though)

there are plenty of engineering grads who have no people skills yet their gpa's are insane!

my interpersonal skills have always gotten me where i wanted to go, although my gpa sucks i did graduate from a fairly prestigious university with a degree in mechanical engineering

[diamondcut]

If they have experience, they can do stuff. The problem is getting a job without the experience.

the problem with things in some fields, is that there isn't much room for lateral movement. what i mean by this is that take mechanical engineering for example. say i had years of experience at an oil rig. yet for some reason the oil industry collapsed and i was without a job. if i wanted a mech eng gig in hvac, i wouldnt know shit about hvac

the experience is very specific for engineering sometimes.

[HTexan]

Thats why one has to settle for a job that may not pay so hot... and start to build up experience, work for a good company, get on some good projects, build some sort of reputation then later when you apply for another job, you have that on your resume!

With a 10% unemployment rate,  their are people willing to take those lower paying jobs that do have a degrees tho.

[BIG ACH]

lol, i agree with you on all points. i graduated with some international students in engineering, they were very book smart but did not have people skills nor did they know how to communicate effectively in conversation (can't fault them TOO much though)

there are plenty of engineering grads who have no people skills yet their gpa's are insane!

my interpersonal skills have always gotten me where i wanted to go, although my gpa sucks i did graduate from a fairly prestigious university with a degree in mechanical engineering

Good for you man!  All my school background has been in Engineering (Bachelors in Systems Engineering - With a minor in computer Science and a Masters in Engineering Management), and now working on a third degree in Industrial Engineering...
But my work experience has been all over, in finance, and business, quality, manufacturing, and consulting, etc....

You have to think of it this way "Your engineering degree is what will get you through that door to the interview... but its your interpersonal skills that will insure that you stay"

[diamondcut]

thank you big ach,

unfortunately the economy is not so kind for engineering graduates these days (myself included)...

[HTexan]

the problem with things in some fields, is that there isn't much room for lateral movement. what i mean by this is that take mechanical engineering for example. say i had years of experience at an oil rig. yet for some reason the oil industry collapsed and i was without a job. if i wanted a mech eng gig in hvac, i wouldnt know shit about hvac

the experience is very specific for engineering sometimes.

When I was in prep in my 9th summer year. there were all about engineering. "Engineering is booming" " chemical engineers will always be needed more then the supply". My ass. I'm glad I didn't go into that shit.

[diamondcut]

When I was in prep in my 9th summer year. there were all about engineering. "Engineering is booming" " chemical engineers will always be needed more then the supply". My ass. I'm glad I didn't go into that shit.

you know what though, they have said the same thing for healthcare

there are a lot of people who gave up their majors in college or went back to college for healthcare, to be a nurse (HOly shit there are soooo many people in my age group (young 20's) who are going back to school to be a nurse! gat damn!)

we'll see how that goes 


yes we all know engineering is pretty fucked right now, esp with the lack of funds from government and the shitty economy
i have a feeling that healthcare is the industry to look at soon, the collapse of it, rather

[jude2]

what u talking about careers

im talking about out of work lawyers, every layer with a career is not unemployed

having a degree and no job =/= career

Some many Lawyers around here, they wait on me when I go to dinner.

[K-1]

The issue is that so many engineers don't have any people skills...  they're just very technical individuals...  and today's job market is looking at that technical resume, but they also want to know that you'll be a team player, potentially a good manager, a good negotiator, etc.

Thats why a lot of Engineering programs are starting to shift around their curriculum and introducing elements from business, public relations, etc. to build well rounded engineers that can do more than just crunch some numbers.


I can honestly say that sometimes I've felt that my people / business skills have benefited me more in the 'real' world than my Engineering knowledge.  I'm not saying that my background in engineering is a waste.  Engineering is the core, and you build and utilize other skills around it to get ahead and succeed!


Oh, And on another note, personally, I find it ridiculous that you have people taking out loans for $40,000 to pay for a degree in Dance at a private university (Yes I know people that did that).....  then they go cry "Occupy Wallstreet!"   Wtf  

This is a very very very good point. I never liked "robots" ..robots think they know it all. I always like the guy or girl that could blend in some social skills also. Knows how to talk to the crowd then go into robot mode to get the job done.

100% Robots you keep in a room and don't allow them to talk to humans. You work the shit out of them and don't let them interact with anybody. The talker that has skills  I feel comfortable he won't say something stupid and bring heat to the department. He/she knows how to put out fires without lifting a finger.

[BIG ACH]

When I was in prep in my 9th summer year. there were all about engineering. "Engineering is booming" " chemical engineers will always be needed more then the supply". My ass. I'm glad I didn't go into that shit.

you know what though, they have said the same thing for healthcare

there are a lot of people who gave up their majors in college or went back to college for healthcare, to be a nurse (HOly shit there are soooo many people in my age group (young 20's) who are going back to school to be a nurse! gat damn!)

we'll see how that goes  


yes we all know engineering is pretty fucked right now, esp with the lack of funds from government and the shitty economy
i have a feeling that healthcare is the industry to look at soon, the collapse of it, rather

Hard for me to speak, because I already have a job and I'm coming from an Engineering Background, so I'm not personally in the job market.... but  I tend to disagree with you guys...

The majority of my friends in Engineering are not really having any problems finding work,  and anytime I do a quick search online I see there are a ton of job offerings... plus... this isn't for everyone, but if you are willing to travel... be it domestically or abroad... there are always people looking for Engineers.



As I said though, having a degree in Engineering (or any other field) doesn't automatically mean you are set for life, it takes much more than that to get ahead...

Companies are looking for a "Jack of All Trades" who also just so happens to have a degree in Engineering!