Many Fresno State students have begun to question whether getting a college degree is still a good investment in the current economic climate, especially with rising state university fees and minimal job opportunities. But more than ever before, employment success relies on the individual who seeks it.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the national unemployment rate among college graduates is between 4.6 and 5.2 percent, which may be lower than other age demographics, but is still causing pressure for graduates hoping to be employed.

“Certainly, it’s more difficult today than in previous times, but imagine how much harder it is for someone without a degree to obtain a job,” said Rudy Sanchez, an associate professor of management at Fresno State. “In general, I feel that a college degree is a good investment, but more than the degree are the opportunities you have as a college student.”

In spite of the difficult economy, some say things are improving, especially for college graduates.

“We’ve learned from history that the economy changes and things will get better,” said Fresno State President John Welty.

NACE recently released some positive news for college students.

“[NACE] shows that employers will be hiring 13.5 percent more new college graduates this upcoming year, which is great and positive,” said Aleta Wolfe, a career experience counselor.

“A college graduate will also be more valuable than someone with no degree,” said President Welty.

But how to remain a valuable college graduate in the job market has changed over the years.

“Just graduating with a degree, a piece of paper, is not enough anymore,” said Wolfe.

Ruby Salazar, an accountancy major at Fresno State, feels that a college education doesn’t give you the great advantage that most people say it does.

“I think that skills and work experience give you a better advantage,” she said. “College just gives you that boost””but for sure, when people look for someone to work for them it comes down to their experience.”

Today, it is about competition and students marketing themselves.

Wolfe said that students have to become proactive in order to become successful in a demanding economic climate.

“Sitting at home on the couch watching TV or playing video games will get you nowhere. Employers are not going to come knocking on the door.”

According to Wolfe, in order to be a valuable college graduate, students need to get experience before they graduate.

“In this economy, a 3.0 grade point average with experience is worth much more than a 4.0 grade point average with no experience.”

Wolfe suggested that students build experience with internships. “If you don’t have an internship built into your curriculum, go out and find one,” said Wolfe. “I encourage students to do this because it will make them more marketable in this tough economy.”

Salazar mentioned that she will be looking for internships her last year of school, as well as after she graduates, paid or unpaid.

Bernhard Maussner, a management major at Fresno State, said he feels it is important to do an internship while completing your education because you build networks, making it easier to find employment upon graduation.

“You also figure out what you are good at in your internship and what you need to improve on,” said Maussner.

Dr. Paul Oliaro, Fresno State’s vice president of student affairs, advises that students should search for job opportunities as soon as they start their major courses. “Students need to take some initiative and look for job opportunities, instead of waiting until they graduate.”

Both President Welty and Wolfe encourage students to take advantage of the services offered at Fresno State as well. Upcoming special events include the Ag, Engineering, and Science Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union, and the Craig School of Business Job Fair on Wednesday, October 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union.

“There should be hundreds [or even thousands] of students lined up to meet employers,” said Wolfe.

Other services offered to students at Career Services are counseling appointments, career assessments, resume and cover letter workshops, job searching databases, interviewing workshops and career management workshops.

Dr. Sanchez affirmed that students who want to be successful need to take advantage of their experiences. “Treat your time here [at Fresno State] as an investment and you’re much more likely to be in a good position upon graduation.”