If you are one of the estimated 1.5 million students graduating in the class of 2009 and have yet to secure a job, you are not alone.

 According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, you are also competing against half a million other workers with on-the-job experience. Needless to say, the job market is not looking good.

 Clark Lundy, civil engineering and environmental science major, is one of many SMU seniors who are feeling the affects of the economy crisis.

“My college fund is depleted, I will have to settle for a job, and probably have to move a good distance to find one.”

Lundy has sent his resume to about 20 companies from California to Virginia, but he worries his GPA and degree won’t stand up to graduates from Ivy Leagues or highly specialized engineering schools.

“I have thought that maybe if I just stay in school and get my masters there may be more opportunities,” Lundy said. “Unfortunately, many of the grad programs are flooded with people doing the same thing.”

If the economy doesn’t turn around, Lundy said he will probably go overseas.

Alissa Reitmeier, a senior journalism major hoping for a job as an on-air reporter, is still waiting for positive news.

“I am having the same troubles as graduating seniors of all majors,” Reitmeier said. “Many companies are in the middle of a hiring freeze and are even laying off some of their employees.”

In an article published on March 16 by Chicago Tribune reporter Mary Podmolik, she said this is not the time to hold out for your dream job. Fresh out-of-college graduates need to be willing to settle for less.

Despite rumors, there are jobs to be filled. Students just have to be assertive.

“I have made contact with several Public Relations firms so I am on their radar in the event I am unable to secure a job as a journalist.”

Although Reitmeier started preparing for a career in broadcast early by regularly anchoring on SMU-TV’s Daily Update, she has accepted the idea of other options.

“[The crisis] is forcing me to be a lot more open-minded about the type of job I may accept and the location in which I may be living,” Reitmeier said.

Darin Ford, director of Hegi Family Career Development Center, also stresses the importance of an open mind. Broadening the search will generate more opportunities.

Ford recommends students put together a strong resume, and create a 30 minute “elevator speech” so they are prepared to sell themselves to anyone, anywhere. Students should stay away from large job Web sites and spend more time creating relationships.

“Treat it like a lab course,” Ford said. “Put an hour or two a week on average into meeting people and developing networks.”

Career advisors are trying to get the message out to students to start early. With today’s statistics, there is no time to waste.

The National unemployment rate is currently 8.1 percent, quite a difference from 5.1 percent unemployed in March 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For those in the Cox School of Business, the unemployment rate in the professional and business services industry has climbed from 6.2 percent in Feb. 2008 to 10.8 percent unemployed in Feb. 2009.

According to Chicago Tribune reporter Podmolik, “Experts say the worst strategy is to try to wait out the recession, because that shows a lack of energy and interest in your career.”

Students like Lundy, who will probably have to settle for an entry-level position and salary, are taking the best course of action possible if they hope to make progress in their careers.

Broadcast journalism major, Rachel Courie, has already received a position with Fox Sports as a production associate.

“In order to gain this position I worked hard for long hours this past summer during my internship,” Courie said. “The money is not good, but I am willing to make that sacrifice in order to get where I want in my career.”

What does this say for SMU’s current juniors, sophomores and freshman? Exactly the course of action the career center suggests: start early.

For seniors who have already secured jobs, internships seem to have made a difference.

Andrew Monaco, senior mechanical engineering major, believes his internship positions he held at defense contracting companies for the past two summers made all the difference.

“Having on-the-job experience, networking and doing well in school all eased my post-graduation job search,” Monaco said.

Students wanting career assistance can visit the Hegi Family Career Development Center, located on the main floor of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center. The center offers an active campus recruiting and job referral program, which includes full-time positions, internship opportunities, part-time and summer jobs.

Tips for the Post-Graduation Job Search:

• Be Willing to Settle for Less – you will be competing with people who have more credentials and real-job experience – you will most likely have to start from the bottom

• Build a Network – meet as many parents of friends and friends of parents as you can – you never know who has useful connections

• Keep an Open Mind – be open to a variety of opportunities and locations – just because it isn’t your dream job, don’t pass it up

• Tailor Resume – make sure your most recent experience is at the top – different industries have different resume styles, find out what they are

• Polish Communication Skills – review e-mails before you send them and make sure they are professional – make an appointment with the career center to practice face-to-face and phone interviews

• Limit Expenses – Keep in mind when looking for a place to live: the more money you need to cover bills and living costs, the bigger the salary you will need to make ends meet