Author Topic: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!  (Read 1178 times)

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Offline rbmgf7

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WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« on: December 10, 2008, 08:58:05 AM »
well, i graduate in about two weeks with a b.s. in mechanical engineering and so far haven't lucked out on a job yet. about 30 apps. applied for (and counting), third rejected, and only 1 interview. kinda got the shaft when i was given a reserve commission into the army instead of an active duty like i was hoping. not only did i have to search for a unit to drill with but also look for a job within the area. getting a unit is nothing but finding a job is killing me. i'm down at fort leanord wood and the surrouding employment opportunities aren't all that great. i've even applied for mechanic jobs on post wrenching on heavy equipment with no luck. i'll admit, my gpa wasn't the greatest in the world but it seems like trying to get a job in general is a challenge.

some of my buddies who had job offers got rejected within weeks of graduation. one of my lab partners had a job with U.S. Steel but got a phone call a week ago saying the plant was going idle from anywhere to 5 weeks to 6 months. i haven't heard great news from the anheiser busch in STL either since the merger (one big employer for this school). GM is another big employer for this school and we all know where that's headed.

just yesterday there was a mass email about the university of missouri system taking budget cuts up to 25% by next year. that would include cutting scholarships, grants, etc. i'm sure that'll kill enrollment like a plague.

on top of my situation, i have outstanding student loans which the payments will begin next summer and i know i won't be able to afford it working at wal-mart. man, this sucks. sorry, just had to vent a little

Offline bunghole

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2008, 09:26:26 AM »
Ouch!

Work the hardship deferrals and consider consolidating your loans and locking in a longer term rate.  The rates are very low right now and if you can get terms stretched, you can get the payment down significantly.  I used Sallie Mae www.salliemae.com to consolidate mine.

Good luck on the job hunt.
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Offline SD750F

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2008, 09:45:12 AM »
Right now they say it takes around 100 applications to get one valid offer...

Scott

Offline mkramer1121

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2008, 10:02:58 AM »
Ouch!

Work the hardship deferrals and consider consolidating your loans and locking in a longer term rate.  The rates are very low right now and if you can get terms stretched, you can get the payment down significantly.  I used Sallie Mae www.salliemae.com to consolidate mine.

Good luck on the job hunt.

Unfortunately, due to the way our market currently is and Bush's changes to student loans, Sallie MAe and others no longer offer consolidation...

Offline CBGhia

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2008, 10:14:07 AM »
Worst case, you could go active duty.  You will probably end up in air defense or someplace that has nothing to do with your degree, but they will get you in.  Talk to your local recruiter.
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Offline BlindJoe

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #5 on: December 10, 2008, 11:12:01 AM »
Hmm, not very encouraging news; I'm going for a b.s. in ME, probably a couple years left, but I'm thinking about joining the army right after I graduate. What is your M.O.S.?

Offline rbmgf7

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2008, 12:26:38 PM »
Hmm, not very encouraging news; I'm going for a b.s. in ME, probably a couple years left, but I'm thinking about joining the army right after I graduate. What is your M.O.S.?

i did rotc and i commission as an engineer officer. if i can't manage to pickup a legitimate job after loan payments start, i might as well enlist. the army has many student loan repayment programs and i think all that's required is 4 years active and 3 years reserve duty. or you can do all 7 years active and retire. with a college degree, you could shoot for warrant officer or make a career out of it an try for sgt. major.

Worst case, you could go active duty.  You will probably end up in air defense or someplace that has nothing to do with your degree, but they will get you in.  Talk to your local recruiter.

i was wanting AD but apparently the army isnt' commissioning as much this year. your major has absolutely zero role in getting your commission and branch. you could be an engineering major but get chemical or ordnance. that's one thing that doesn't seem to make sense with the army.

Offline 74cb750

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #7 on: December 10, 2008, 12:44:41 PM »
Know the feeling. I just got laid off this afternoon, via telephone. Nice!
Guess I'lll start selling some of my cb750's.
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Offline tramp

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #8 on: December 10, 2008, 04:38:18 PM »
if i were to get a interview now i would find out everything about the company so that the interviewer could see that i have done my homework and show a interest in the company
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Offline BobbyR

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #9 on: December 10, 2008, 05:43:40 PM »
Hmm, not very encouraging news; I'm going for a b.s. in ME, probably a couple years left, but I'm thinking about joining the army right after I graduate. What is your M.O.S.?

i did rotc and i commission as an engineer officer. if i can't manage to pickup a legitimate job after loan payments start, i might as well enlist. the army has many student loan repayment programs and i think all that's required is 4 years active and 3 years reserve duty. or you can do all 7 years active and retire. with a college degree, you could shoot for warrant officer or make a career out of it an try for sgt. major.

Worst case, you could go active duty.  You will probably end up in air defense or someplace that has nothing to do with your degree, but they will get you in.  Talk to your local recruiter.

i was wanting AD but apparently the army isnt' commissioning as much this year. your major has absolutely zero role in getting your commission and branch. you could be an engineering major but get chemical or ordnance. that's one thing that doesn't seem to make sense with the army.
If you are a mech engineer, I would look into the Railroad Industry. This includes both Railcar builders and actual railroads. They have rash of retirements and a lot of projects in the works. You may have to relocate. I would suggest you do not enlist. I took the Gov't money and it landed me in the Nam. They own you when you sign. if you need some places to look in the RR area shoot me a PM.
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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #10 on: December 14, 2008, 06:29:31 PM »
Damn!!!

I just closed up shop with my haeting company.... Thinking of going back to school................ For mechanical engenering.

Damn!!!!!

DAMN!!!!!!!!

Looking for a job too.

:'( DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Offline super pasty white guy

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #11 on: December 14, 2008, 07:15:33 PM »
I'll just throw out a thought-  You might be able to go active duty in the public health service...  Military pay and salary, but a looser structure.

http://www.usphs.gov/profession/engineer/default.aspx

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Offline DavePhipps

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Re: WooHoo, graduation then unemployment!
« Reply #12 on: December 14, 2008, 07:46:24 PM »
Move to the Seattle/Everett Area. There are a boatload of Mech Eng jobs when I  was out there a few years ago. Even more jobs if you are in IT and know SQL.
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