New Graduates Look At Job Prospects

Reggie Dedeaux slaps his family and friends high-fives in celebration of graduation. This is one education major who says he's ready to work hard to find a gig.

“It's not looking too good right now with mobile county cutting teachers and everything and the recession and all,” says the education graduate. Despite the somewhat gloomy outlook he's among many grads that feel okay about their job prospects.

“I'll just keep on talking to different teachers in different cities and get a job there,” says Dedeaux. While just about every graduate is nervous about the job market many of them say they are cautiously optimistic.

“About six months ago it was all doom and gloom, teachers getting pink slipped, now all of the sudden they've come back and said, with the stimulus package there's going to be jobs there's going to be places for teachers,” says Education Major Deanna Stevens. Nearly 1,300 diplomas were awarded Saturday. Add that to ones given at winter graduation and you've got record breaker for USA. Among the masses you'll find a few that aren't worried about tomorrow.

“You know I'm coming out of medical school as far as for the next couple of years at least I'll have a job, I know that,” says Medical College Graduate Michael Manogue. Other students say they'll find work; it'll just take a little time and a little luck.

“I have faith in god and I'm sure everything will work out, there are kids in mobile and they need to be taught,” says Education Graduate Shamon Jackson. University officials say they're proud to have a very large graduating class this year.