Students find diploma doesn't solve dilemmas

College is supposed to prepare you for the real world—but it does so much more than that. I started at FGCU in fall 2007. This was the same time we as a nation officially entered a recession (According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the official arbiter of recessions, the recession began in December 2007). I never felt the effects as there are always jobs and spending occurring when school is in session.

Now the recession is over, and I will soon be on my way out and into the awaiting world. What I see frightens me.  The environmental disaster in the Gulf is already affecting tourism on Florida's west coast. Once it reaches around the Panhandle, the tourism industry could be in great danger— which could affect many hospitality majors before they even graduate.
Let us not forget the recession may be "over," yet not all sectors are recovering evenly. The private sector is being challenged,  and depending on the rate of recovery, business majors may have a hard time finding a job if they don't astonish leaders at their internship.

It seems as if no matter what major you choose, there will be hard times after school. Older generations remember when college graduates had every opportunity available to them. Now without a degree AND experience, you are out of luck. My question is:  Where can I find this experience? I don't expect a career right out of the gate, but even full-time jobs for recent graduates are a dying breed.

Maybe by the time incoming freshmen are ready to graduate, things will be better. Do not rush through college just to be done with school, you might be disappointed with what you find when you are done. I know I'll be working at a steady pace while investigating the options my fiancée and I have to get our feet in the door and start our career paths.