Employment outlook good for grads 

It looks like 2000 is a good year to graduate. 

"One of the biggest things affecting students is that the nation has the lowest unemployment rate it's had in 30 years," said Hal Schaffer, coordinator of Cal State Long Beach's on-campus interview program.

With so many jobs out there, it is not as difficult as it was in years past to find a good post-graduation career, Schaffer said. 

"The regular pool now is scarce, the market for students is improving and employers are willing to train," he explained. 

High-tech areas are the most in demand Schaffer said. About 900,000 to1 million jobs in the computer science field will not be filled in the next 12 months.

"There's some real good opportunities there because of the economy," Schaffer said. "There are high salaries available, even for inexperienced students."

If students would like to find out what an average salary is across the country, they can check out the National Association of College Employers.

"The real key is networking," Schaffer said. "Making connections with people who are connected is vital." 

Senior Tim McAbee, a biology major, found a diamond in the rough in a Fresno newspaper advertisement for a pharmaceutical salesperson. These jobs are few and far between for someone fresh out of college, McAbee said.

"It's not that easy, because most companies hire experienced people, but how are you supposed to get experience if no one will hire you?" McAbee asked. 

He ended up landing an interview from that newspaper ad and hopes to eventually be hired by Muro Pharmaceuticals, a nationwide company where he can put his social skills and scientific knowledge to work.

Schaffer pointed out that the most jobs available now are in travel and hospitality, high-tech fields including the Internet, the medical field and education. 

"With more money coming from the state of California, teachers are in greater demand," he said. "Smaller classrooms and the need for more counselors because of tragedies such as shootings are a reality."

Schaffer had some advice for graduating seniors. 

"People should do what they love to do and just be patient," he said. "There are so many jobs out there. I don't think there's a reason for a person to not find a job."