College graduate job outlook

New graduates clad in cap and gown-now have their careers to think about.

On graduation day--Wisconsin's latest unemployment rate is hovering above 9 percent -- a 27 year high.

Jesse Smet just earned a degree in social work from UW-Oshkosh, and is still looking for full time employment.

"Very tiresome. A lot of applications, lots of resumes, letters of recommendation, references-but I know I'll get through it," said Smet.

The down economy isn't making for a difficult employment market for everyone in the Class of 2009.

"I have a job lined up with a business in Appleton so I'm just looking forward to starting that," said UW-Oshkosh grad Craig Rose.

An economics major, Rose feels he lucked out in getting a job.

"They kind of found me - but there's definitely a lot more competition for a lot less jobs-I found that out," said Rose.

Other graduates aren't too concerned about starting their career--as they pursue other educational opportunities.

"I'm just looking for something to hold me over until November," said UW-Green Bay graduate Mindy Friedenfels. But she says that's still been a challenge.

"Even looking for something like as a bank teller or in food or retail is really hard. I've been putting in applications almost every day, and I have not gotten more than two or three call backs," said Friedenfels.

With diploma now in hand--some graduates say they're optimistic despite the grim economy.

"We have our skills and there's a lot of people that are getting ready for retirement too so hopefully with that--we'll be able to find something for us," said UW-Green Bay graduate Allison Sellen.