SEATTLE -
This year's University of Washington graduating class is now out from behind the books and into the real world.
The school held its 134th commencement Saturday.
But, now that all the pomp and circumstance is over, grads are finding themselves facing some of the toughest circumstances we've seen in a long time.
"We spent four years working for this and it's really hard to find a job right now," says Matthew Sambrook, a construction management graduate.
In fact, recent unemployment numbers showed more than 330-thousand people in this state are looking for work.
Add Economics major Toquyen Truong to the list.
"I really want to be a buyer for Nordstrom or Macy's or something like that," says Truong.
Right now she's trying to market herself. Holding a fluorescent yellow sign during the commencement exercises that read "hire me."
So far, no takers.
Truong says she'll go back to school if she has to, many people she knows are already making plans.
"They're going back next year to get a Master's because the job market is not very well right now," says Truong.
In fact, these are some of the toughest conditions in a long time. Consider recent unemployment numbers from our area.
8% King County. Pierce County at 9.5%. Snohomish County at 9.9 and down south in Grays Harbor and Lewis County, among the highest in the state at 13.4 and 13.9 percent.
Construction management graduates are feeling the pressure.
"Pretty much the hardest part about it is that no one is building anything," says graduate Will Levin.
Many who do find jobs are finding themselves building a new life--in another state.
"I've got to leave Seattle and I'm not too happy about it, but it's just got to happen," says Aaron Olson, a construction management graduate.
James McClavin is one grad who made it happen. He just landed a job in financial management, now he's ready help the rest of us over this country's major economic hurdle. He's sporting an addition to his graduation cap that reads "call me for all of your financial needs."
He means it.
"Anyone who needs some financial planning, call me! I can help you out," he says.
The school held its 134th commencement Saturday.
But, now that all the pomp and circumstance is over, grads are finding themselves facing some of the toughest circumstances we've seen in a long time.
"We spent four years working for this and it's really hard to find a job right now," says Matthew Sambrook, a construction management graduate.
In fact, recent unemployment numbers showed more than 330-thousand people in this state are looking for work.
Add Economics major Toquyen Truong to the list.
"I really want to be a buyer for Nordstrom or Macy's or something like that," says Truong.
Right now she's trying to market herself. Holding a fluorescent yellow sign during the commencement exercises that read "hire me."
So far, no takers.
Truong says she'll go back to school if she has to, many people she knows are already making plans.
"They're going back next year to get a Master's because the job market is not very well right now," says Truong.
In fact, these are some of the toughest conditions in a long time. Consider recent unemployment numbers from our area.
8% King County. Pierce County at 9.5%. Snohomish County at 9.9 and down south in Grays Harbor and Lewis County, among the highest in the state at 13.4 and 13.9 percent.
Construction management graduates are feeling the pressure.
"Pretty much the hardest part about it is that no one is building anything," says graduate Will Levin.
Many who do find jobs are finding themselves building a new life--in another state.
"I've got to leave Seattle and I'm not too happy about it, but it's just got to happen," says Aaron Olson, a construction management graduate.
James McClavin is one grad who made it happen. He just landed a job in financial management, now he's ready help the rest of us over this country's major economic hurdle. He's sporting an addition to his graduation cap that reads "call me for all of your financial needs."
He means it.
"Anyone who needs some financial planning, call me! I can help you out," he says.
