Based on data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey, recent college graduates are stuck in limbo — big time. Nearly 53.6 percent of graduates with a bachelor’s degree under the age of 25 last year were either jobless or underemployed.

“Our study found that over 63 percent of Gen Y workers have a bachelor’s degree, but the most commonly reported jobs for Gen Y don’t necessarily require a college degree,” said Dan Schawbel, founder of research and consulting firm Millennial Branding, in a Time magazine article. Gen Y refers to the children of the baby boomer generation, born between 1976 and the 2000s.

The Atlantic reported that “recent graduates are now more likely to work as waiters, waitresses, bartenders and food-service helpers than as engineers, physicists, chemists and mathematicians combined.”

“You can bet that Gen Y would much rather have a professional job linked to their major than settle for a job at the mall that, in theory, a teenager could do,” Schawbel said.

The problem is the lack of jobs available to accommodate the growing number of competent Gen Y workers. According to the Census Bureau, the number of Americans with at least a bachelor’s degree under the age of 25 has grown 38 percent since 2000, and there are not enough jobs.

This problem does not seem to have as much effect on graduates of the sciences or other technical fields, which fared best in the job market.

“The reason why so many math and science folks are getting good jobs is because technology has taken over the world,” said Ryan McNaughton, career counselor at Career Services at Kent State. He said all the money is being put into technological skill sets.

“For the real liberal arts majors, it is rare that you come across someone who simply has a history degree or an undergrad in philosophy anymore,” McNaughton said. “It is incumbent upon them to then go on to the next level to get a master’s degree, sometimes a doctorate, and go from there.”

McNaughton pointed out that studies have shown that the earlier and more often a student visits and utilizes Career Services, the more money they will make in their first job.

“Your resume will be better, which will get you better internships, better references, and then when you’re ready to go out into the world, you will be able to choose the job, not a job,” McNaughton said. “We are not the sexiest office on campus, but we are so vitally important to help you get to the point to where you eventually want to be.”

McNaughton also pointed out that one of the most important ways to prepare for the job search is to network.

“Statistics show that 80 percent of opportunities come from networking,” McNaughton said. “What you know is a big part of it, but if you’re not going out there and meeting people you’re just a document when you apply for a job.”

One student agrees with the importance of networking in her given field.

“Dentistry is a profession that is always in demand. Dentistry is also a field in which making connections can be useful in finding a job off the bat, so I plan on continuing to establish a relationship with current practicing dentists,” said Lindsay Runyan, a senior biochemistry/pre-dentistry major.

Lauren Wozniak, senior early childhood education major, said she is slightly less hopeful about her entrance into the job market.

“I do feel a little bit defeated because I know that it will be difficult to get a job. Teachers are getting laid off all the time and I will be competing against teachers with years of experience when applying for jobs,” Wozniak said.

Wozniak said she thinks that students have to consider everything so much more than in past generations.

“We really have to plan our moves and schooling strategically in order to have the best chance at getting a job in our field of study,” she said.

McNaughton said he agrees.

“The most important thing a student can do is be prepared,” he said.

Even though the outlook for graduates may look grim when it comes to finding a job after graduation, some students said they think optimism can still be found in the form of passion for one’s career choice.

“I am so sure education was the right choice for me. I cannot imagine doing anything else,” Wozniak said. “I know that it is not a money-making field, but I love it and am willing to do what it takes to stay with doing what I love.”

McNaughton also said there is still hope for recent or upcoming graduates.

“98 percent of organizations said they were extremely satisfied with their experiences with Kent State students,” McNaughton said.

Contact Christina Bucciere at [email protected].