Economic conditions force college students and graduates to consider relocating

Seventy-four percent of college students and recent graduates would relocate in order to find employment. These are the results of a recent survey conducted by CollegeJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal’s site for career-minded college students, and Peterson’s, part of The Thomson Corporation (TSX: TOC; NYSE: TOC) and one of the world’s leading providers of education and career-planning information. Survey respondents included 719 college students and recent graduates.

The Northeast was rated as having the most promising job outlook, while the Midwest was seen as having the worst. Yet according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the September unemployment rates in the Northeast and Midwest were virtually identical (5.7% vs. 5.9%), pointing to a misconception among respondents that the Northeast is the clear choice for employment opportunity.

College students and recent graduates are faced with a difficult occupational outlook, says Mary Gatsch, president of Peterson’s Job seekers may want to consider relocating if there are jobs they qualify for in other parts of the country.. The Internet is a great place to start when looking for employment outside your current geographic area.

Career change is another element that can affect one’s ultimate success in a job search. Twenty-one percent of respondents have changed careers in the past two years, in order to find employment.

A career change makes sense if you can’t find employment in your chosen field and you want to move forward professionally, says Tony Lee, editor in chief of CollegeJournal.com. Now is a good time to think about job opportunities you’d enjoy and start developing skills that are in demand.

Recent college graduates have been among those hit the hardest by the poor employment market, says Lee. Waiting it out by going to graduate school, taking a part-time job or relocating are options that college graduates should consider.

CollegeJournal.com suggests the following ways for college students to increase their chances of finding a job:
Treat the job-search process as a job.
Find out everything you can about particular jobs, employers and industries.
Expand your search to include different industries or geographic locations.
Tap into alumni networks.
Network with everyone-friends, family and acquaintances.
Find an internship or other temporary work.
Check for updates on Internet job postings frequently.
For more career guidance and advice, visit