The Microblog

    "I'm personally hoping the stimulus package creates a job for me! But in all seriousness, the job market is rough, but such an economy makes jobs in the public sector more attractive than ever, and that's certainly consistent with the values we've learned here at Tufts."
~Matt Shapanka

    "I can tell you there is a general frustration regarding the state of the economy, with a good portion of our graduating class still waiting to hear from jobs or still seeking employment of any kind — whether it be career-oriented or simply seasonal employment. With the number of companies and businesses having to cut back or even freeze hiring, we are having to compete not only amongst ourselves but with mid-level professionals who are also applying to lower-level jobs in the hopes of attaining a job.
    The entire situation sets a different tone for graduation, but ultimately I think this is a blessing in disguise. The current situation has built up our determination and our ambition; we will be more seasoned and more competitive later in our careers as a result of having to weather this economy, and I think in difficult times, not only are our strengths and values brought to the forefront, but we find gratitude in our experiences and in the people around us. In spite of it all, the economy will improve, jobs will be found, plans will be made, and we will look back on this time as a challenging but exciting period of our lives."
~Stephanie Brown

    "I am going to London to study fine art for a year. So between that and sociology, I'll be about as unemployed as it gets. I work at Career Services, and every day I answer the phone to alums who've lost their jobs and are now in the market. How can I tell a senior, ‘Yeah, compete with these highly qualified, experienced alums who are looking for the exact same job as you?'
    But I think we're going to surprise ourselves. We're going to try new things we never would have dared before, and we're going to do and make and re-think in ways we never could have imagined. The current crisis prompts our generation to reject past complacency — because hey, it's just not working for us — and seek innovation in a way that hasn't happened in decades."
~Anjali Nirmalan
    "I still feel more fortunate than those affected by credit card and insurance companies and those losing their jobs. I'm taking the year off next year to live in Israel, but I would have done so no matter what the state of the economy. I'm not currently looking for a job, so I might not be the best person to ask, but I've heard mixed reviews from my friends. Some are finding jobs that are perfect for them, others only positions that they don't really want, or don't pay as well as they wanted. In terms of grad school and higher degrees, application rates have skyrocketed, so it will be more difficult to get into a program of my choice when I eventually decide to look into that. All in all though, I feel that as a recent graduate of Tufts, I am still at an advantage compared to others, and the degree to which the economic downturn will affect me is much smaller. I guess I don't have a worrying attitude, but I'm not worried for my sake — yet."
~Inbar Sharon

    "The state of the economy will definitely affect the Class of 2009 in ways it hasn't affected previous classes; however, while I think it is easy to focus on the negative aspects of the slow economy, the tough job market has created some interesting opportunities that hadn't previously existed. I'm thinking specifically of public service and jobs in government — these jobs have always been there, but weren't so appealing next to a $100K consulting job. Now that private-sector, high-paying jobs are scarce, more graduates, myself included, are looking into public service and the government for post-graduate opportunities and, in doing so, are bringing enormous energy and excitement into helping reshape and revitalize our country."
~Neil DiBiase

    "The state of the economy is undoubtedly scary for everyone — [for] those of us who have yet to [find] our careers, as well as those who have experience and families to support; however, I think the silver lining is that it will push everyone, especially recent graduates, to unleash their creative potential. Hopefully, the economy will allow me to explore my options and embark on something that is in line with my core interests and skills, and thus actually fulfilling."
~Veda Shastri