΢²ªÊÓƵ

΢²ªÊÓƵ graduate Holly Lee is hard at work -- looking for a job.

The Los Angeles woman, who completed the requirements for her degree in March, is among the thousands of university graduates who face a tougher job market this spring.

But at ΢²ªÊÓƵ, she is also among those supported by the services of the -- including a May 8 career fair and a May 14 workshop on how to find a job in a tough economy.

"It's actually quite scary out there," said Lee, who studied managerial economics. "I'm using the services of the center to kick-start my career."

Naomi Kinert, an internship and career services coordinator with the center, will offer the upcoming workshop. "It seemed very timely to help students make the most of their search," she said.

In its "Job Outlook 2008 Spring Update," the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that employers expect to hire more new college graduates this year than they did last year, but at lower levels than originally anticipated. In the fall, employers projected a 16 percent increase in hiring; they revised that to an 8 percent increase in the spring.

Meanwhile, California's unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in March, according to California's Employment Development Department, and the U.S. unemployment rate was 5 percent in April, as reported today, May 2, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Kinert said the basic techniques of searching for a job in a difficult market are the same as they are in a good market. "We just up the ante," Kinert said. "Everyone has to be on top of their game."

The career adviser will also offer workshop participants some advice for managing the stress and emotions of a job search.

The Spring Internship and Career Fair at the ARC Pavilion on Thursday is one of eight career fairs the campus holds during the academic year. About 160 businesses and other organizations are expected to participate.

In addition to individual career advising and tools to help students assess their skills and interests, the center offers workshops on search techniques, resume writing and interview skills.

Lee said a career adviser helped her focus her job search in the field of advertising and media. And in a recent workshop, she picked up some tips to use in job interviews with prospective employers in Seattle later this month.