The suffering economy has some December graduates feeling uneasy about job security.

It was once beneficial to choose a major that could offer a variety of careers. Several University students have said this is now an obstacle as hundreds of students with identical qualifications apply for the same positions.

However, students on track for specialized careers in industries such as sports or agriculture said they are also having a difficult time “breaking into” careers because of the lack of job opportunities.

December graduate Kelly Broderick is majoring in ecology and has not been successful with her job search yet.

“I have found that most work currently offered is for people with master’s degrees and two to four years minimum experience. I am just having a hard time getting my foot in the door.”

More and more recent graduates are also staying in Athens for longer than originally intended. Some students complain that they are not finding jobs that pay sufficiently and would not be able to afford to live with a small salary in Atlanta, where the average rent for an apartment is twice that of Athens.

Graduate school is a possible solution to the job crisis, said Jennifer DelVentura, a spring 2008 psychology graduate.

“Going to graduate school not only postponed the job search for me, but it also ensures that when I am done, I will be able to demand a higher starting salary.”

With the economy becoming increasingly unpredictable, there are a few things that can be done by students to make them stand out and snag a job easier, said Simbarashe Machona, a December graduate majoring in accounting. As a student who got offered a job in New York to work for one of the Big Four accounting firms – KPMG – after graduation, Machona urged students to look for opportunities in internships.

“Not only was it great experience to work as an intern, but now I don’t have to frantically search for a job like all my friends.”

Grady Wade, a senior from Social Circle majoring in health promotion and behavior, said he feels lucky to have a job lined up as soon as he graduates.

“I have a job with Coca-Cola doing corporate fitness that was made possible because of an internship I got through my major.”

Machona said his networking skills helped him make a lasting impression on his superiors.

“You never know when a former acquaintance will introduce you to someone who could be your next boss.”