My niece Sandy, who graduated in June, told you about her job search a few months ago and what she was learning from it all. I’ve asked her to update us on her progress and plans for the future. Even though economic recovery is happening now in the form of the Great Comeback, the job situation is still really tough out there. For now, Sandy is interning at Tompkins Associates and gaining some valuable experience.

- Jim

The beginning of August has always signaled to me the need to prepare for school. You know, time to shop for pens, paper, books and new clothes. It’s been the same routine for the last 16 years of my life. But this year is different. I have finished with school and now should be starting a full-time job.

No more summers off or long vacations around the winter holiday. I’ve always loved those wonderful breaks from the hustle and bustle of school life, but I am ready to give them up and start my career. This is the thrill of victory – graduating and on the verge of starting a fulfilling career.

My previous post described how my career search became a job hunt. I graduated from North Carolina State University in June with a degree in Business Management (operations concentration) and have been searching job websites and sending out resumes like crazy. Unfortunately, jobs are very hard to find these days. I’ve found that I have the education but not the experience to land a good job. This is the agony of defeat – not being able to launch my career as I feel I should be able to do at this point.

So what are my options?

I can continue my seemingly fruitless job search or try a different route. My thinking is that I can avoid the job market until it has more fully recovered from the current recession. Where can I go to escape the dismal job market? That’s easy. Back To School. I’m considering going back to school for an MBA.

Problem solved, right? Not completely. There are few things standing in my way. My lack of work experience may hinder my ability to get into a good MBA program. Many programs require that applicants work for a couple of years before applying.

I also have to decide what program and concentration I want to pursue. What about an online program? I’m not sure how online degrees are viewed by organizations. Are they as good as the more traditional programs? What do you think about online programs? If they are accredited, are they accepted as readily as more traditional campus programs, or do you think they have a stigma attached where online degrees aren't perceived as being on the same level as a traditional program?

For now I’m studying to take the GMAT and researching the different programs. If I hurry I can apply for the spring semester. Wish me luck as I explore a different route toward my career goals! And if you have any advice, please pass it on to me.