<p>It is nearing the 2009 fall recruiting session and Im wondering what some of your thoughts are? Everybody is talking about massive downturns in company participation, fewer extended offers, and low-ball offers. Do you think this will be the case across the board, or if certain disciplines and/or non-target schools will take the brunt of the hit? Internships? Or only full-time positions? What are your thoughts? Industry specific insights?</p>
<p>I thought it was bad enough last year…</p>
<p>i heard the economy was getting better</p>
<p>oh well, off to grad school!</p>
<p>[PHD</a> Comics: Enrollment vs. Unemployment Rate](<a href=“PHD Comics: So productive”>PHD Comics: Enrollment vs. Unemployment Rate)</p>
<p>I don’t think it will be too bad. At the very least I think it will be no worse than last year. Most of my classmates that had decent grades graduated with jobs. Shoot, I had 3 friends all have $70k+ starting salaries this past year. As long as the economy doesn’t re-tank, I think recruiting will be fine.</p>
<p>There is a lot of evidence that suggests that our economy has stabilized and will start growing again at the end of this year. Having said that though, the job market will lag behind recovery for quiet sometime. Unemployment may even increase as a lot of businesses who desperatley tried to hang on finally go under.</p>
<p>Having said that, a lot of companies had vacancies that they left unfilled because they were uncertain of their future. When they know the economy is out of recession, they will probably start hiring again.</p>
<p>I live in SC, which has the 4th highest unemployment rate. Our state has been hit hard by the recession. However, I have 2 friends that work for employment agencies, and both said that they have noticed a big increase in the number of employers hiring against last summer. I am sure next year can only be better.</p>
<p>It’ll be rough. Very rough.</p>
<p>Also for those looking to graduate school as a panacea keep in mind that during recessions funding can dry up too.</p>