DURHAM, NC (WNCN) – A fresh generation of college graduates is ready to take on the real world.
As students from North Carolina Central University took the stage Saturday morning, they faced an uncertain future in an uncertain economy.
“It’s a surreal moment,” said Tyler Fisher, a fall 2022 graduate student.
Decked out in maroon robes, these Central students celebrate graduation.
“I’m on the moon,” said Erin Johnson, another graduate student. “My heart is still beating.”
(Al Currie/CBS 17)
As they took the stage and shook hands with university leaders, they prepared themselves for the next steps in their lives.
“I applied to about nine positions,” said Fisher, a mass communications major.
“I’m trying to venture into the marketing arena,” said Johnson, an England major.
But they’re not too worried.
“I trust in God that the right opportunities will come my way,” Fisher said.
Most employers don’t seem to be concerned either.
Employers nationally plan to hire about 35% more new workers with bachelor’s degrees this year compared to last year, according to Michigan State University’s 2023 College Recruiting Outlook Report.
Regionally, that figure is even higher at 42%.
“There’s a lot of new jobs coming into the RDU space, so hopefully I’ll find a path to snake my way into,” Johnson said.
With the news of some layoffs and a possible recession at the forefront of their minds, these graduates believe what they learned in school will be key to their success.
“I think I prepared very well, and I think my preparation will help me take my chance,” Fisher said.
“I’m prepared for adversity or anything,” Johnson said. “I’m ready for anything.”
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