The unemployment rate among journalism graduates is soaring at 40 percent, according to a recent study from the University.

The study – released by the James M. Cox Jr. Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research – looked at the effects of the troubled economy on the 2008 journalism job market. The center found six in 10 graduates were employed full time six to eight months after graduation – the lowest levels since 1986.

With national unemployment levels the highest they’ve been in 20 years, it’s no wonder that newsrooms are feeling strained.

But journalism students shouldn’t be overly worried, said Cecil Bentley, director of career services and corporate relations for the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

“Entry level jobs are still available,” Bentley said.”It has been hard for recent graduates because experienced workers are now looking at entry level positions.”

Students now receive more technology training in classes, giving them skill sets that put them ahead of other workers already in the field, he said.

“Younger folks are more experienced with multimedia,” Bentley said. “[Students] should have the ability to have a variety of skills and platforms. They should be all-platform journalists.”

The Cox Center’s annual survey did have some good news for 2008 graduates though. Those who did find work received the same average salary – about $30,000 – which is about the same as last year.

The newspaper industry has been one of the hardest hit media platforms.

Jennifer Johnson, a junior journalism major and stringer for the Athens Banner-Herald, said many of the editors and writers there are “doing the work of two people.”

David Hazinksi, an associate professor of journalism, had some ideas for newspapers to stay afloat in the tough economic times.

“Newspapers must be multi-platform,” Hazinski said.

Newspapers and other forms of media must possess “multi-platform distribution,” he said. “[They should focus on] smaller demographics and become more economical to drop cost.”

Bentley advised that students in journalism-related majors should “think now about a part-time experience.”

“Ten to 15 hours a week – try to keep getting experience every semester,” he said. “Shadow for a day, take a road trip to a possible employer or work as a contributing writer for a local paper.”

He said students should take the initiative to research prospective employers and be proactive.

“Pitch yourself to the employer and [emphasize] experience,” Bentley said. “Learn how to write, research and produce – you can take these skills to various companies. [Journalism] majors are good because we are able to develop good communication skills.”

But those who are passively searching for jobs won’t have much luck. Bentley said students should make their job-search a full time job until they are hired.

“I can’t overemphasize the value of experience and networking,” he said.