UWGB grads head into job world with optimism

GREEN BAY - With the nation teetering on the so called fiscal cliff, many have concerns about the economy. So what's the job outlook like for college grads getting their diplomas this weekend?

Graduates file in with the same air of pagentry and anticipation as every semester at UW-Green Bay.

But this year, some say things are looking more optimistic for the future.

"We’re looking at a job climate that's probably the best it's been in maybe four years. Generally speaking, our graduates do find jobs,” said Associate Dean and Director of the Cofrin School of Business, Lucy Arendt.

Arendt says her students, particularly accounting majors, find jobs before they get their diplomas.

So we asked some of the 450 students in cap and gown if they've been as successful in finding their first jobs.

"I’m graduating with human development, and I'm getting in to a job that's actually called Grand Design Media Service. It's an advertising and media company. So, it's a little different than what I'm graduating with,” said Amanda Omahan.

While some are finding employment on a different path, others are struggling to find jobs within their majors.

"It's kind of tough right now. My girlfriend and I are looking right now for jobs but it's still pretty tough. A lot of people look for grad school instead of jobs right now so that would be best possibly to go to grad school,” said Colin Zeman.

"I’m going to start my master’s degree program at St Norbert College, and I will continue to keep my part-time jobs and go from there,” said Areli Estrada.

UW-Green Bay staff says the majority of graduates stay within a ten-county radius of Green Bay.

And as they proudly cross the stage at the Weidner Center today, these graduates say they're ready to help change our community by pursuing their passions.

"Don't settle for anything less than what you want to do, because there's always going to be opportunities that come your way,” said Omahan.

This year's mid-year graduation class set a record for number of graduates. It’s up 11 percent since last year.