SPECIAL REPORT: RECORD NUMBER OF COLLEGE GRADS MOVING BACK HOME

Grand Junction, COLO -- A college degree no longer means you can get a job right out of college. For recent graduates, they are learning this out the hard way. They are also discovering college costs a lot of money.It's actually one of the reasons some Mesa State students are staying closer to home instead of going to a pricier or even out-of-state college. "Transferring to Colorado State University was the original plan, but i stayed (closer to home) because of cost," said recent graduate Lauren Bell.The rising cost of college is also what drove Lauren back under her parent's roof. "It just added and added and added," Bell said. "My biggest expense was paying rent. I was spending a ridiculous amount of money when I had my home available to me. It's silly to be spending all of this money when there are doors open to me at home."Lauren is not alone. According to a recent poll by Twenty Something Inc., 85% of recent graduates are back home to nest. Surprisingly, this number is up 18% from 2006. "I think it's the recession. I really do," says Bell.For parents on the Western Slope like Lauren's mother Carol, seeing their children deal with limited job prospects is difficult to watch. "You worry about your kids. You want them to be successful. Even though I'm concerned, she is a hard worker, when she gets her foot in the door she'll do well," she said.Lauren tells KJCT News 8 that having supportive parents is a key element to success. She tells us another important piece of the puzzle is making connections. "Networking is everything. I really believe it's who you know. Especially in a town this small."In July 2011, Lauren landed her first job out of college at a marketing firm. Now, she's slowly saving up for her own place. Regardless of where Lauren goes, Carol says she's just happy her daughter is landing on her feet. "I'm proud she went to college and finished in the first place but to have a job on top of it is like a whole new stage in our lives."There could be a silver lining in this otherwise gloomy economy. The National Association of Colleges and Employers say they expect to hire nearly 14% more new graduates this year, than in 2010.Supervisor Gilbert Lujan with the Mesa County Work Force Center says if you want to stand out, you now have to be a package deal. "You need to have the attitude, education; and if you do; the experience to offer whenever you're applying for a position."Lauren tells us now is not the time to be picky since so many others don't have a job. She's hoping the economy will turn around soon, which will give her more opportunities in the future. "Hearing news that the job market is looking up is reassuring." Carol on the other hand is more weary, "I want to see it, coming out of the recession is taking longer than we thought. I'll believe it when i see it."


Source: http://www.kjct8.com/news/28666061/detail.html


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