Let's get the bad news out of the way first. It's been a generation since the job market in New Hampshire has been this unfavorable for recent college graduates. In the recession of the early 1990s the state's jobless rate hit a high of 7.7 percent. This year's May rate was 6.5 percent, still lower than the state's peak in the summer of 1991, but a big increase over a year ago, when the state's rate was 3.7.
Now for the good news -the state, and the nation, did come out of that recession 18 years ago to enjoy an unprecedented decade of growth. Much of the growth was fueled by a new player on the scene, the World Wide Web. The Internet opened up entrepreneurial possibilities much like the interstate highway system did in the 1950s and 1960s, and, just like those new super highways, it took us to places we didn't even know we wanted to go. Though it is hard to tell at this point what sector of the economy will fuel the next round of growth, the nation will emerge from this recession, too.
The Internet gives this generation of job seekers an advantage over the job seekers of a generation ago. Now, when in the initial stages of a job search, there's no need to put on business attire and make sure the shoes are shined. From the State of New Hampshire Department of Employment of Security's website (http://www.nh.gov/nhes/), to online versions of local newspapers, it has never been easier to find out what is available. Many institutions and businesses also post job openings on their own websites. There are larger databases, too, like Monster.com and craigslist, in which to search for suitable employment.
As much as the Internet has changed much of how one looks for a job, old-fashioned networking still is important, too. Even something as simple as chatting with one's regular bank teller can provide leads to job openings. Some employers don't even advertise openings, but rely instead on word of mouth. Though the social networking websites might turn up some job leads, nothing beats face-to-face social networking.
Job seekers still need to do the pick and shovel work necessary to be considered for employment, no matter what condition the country's economy is in. They still need to put together a resume, and in that resume they still need to list the skills and education they have that qualify them for the position they seek.
That's where we come in. At White Mountains Community College we offer a full array of degree programs and certificate programs that will help fill in those blanks. As a fully accredited community college, we are well positioned to educate today's workforce for the economy of tomorrow. For the North Country natives who have returned to their hometowns after graduating from colleges and universities not in this area, it may be worth it to take a course or two at White Mountains College in order to reconnect with the local social network.
Our main campus at 2020 Riverside Drive in Berlin. Our Conway center is located off of Route 16 at 53 Technology Lane. In Littleton we are at 646 Main Street, in Woodsville at 9 High Street. Stop by any location today and see how WMCC can help you.
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