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The state’s high unemployment rate is forcing Florida college students to change their career plans. Job opportunities for college students are dwindling. As Whitney Ray tells us, many students worry there may not be enough jobs to go around and are opting for graduate school instead.

FSU Junior Jason Kirkendall started college interested in film but decided to pursue medicine for job security.

“I know that I’ll have a job after I graduate instead of searching for one,” said Kirkendall.

Others, like International Affairs senior Lars Thrasher, are staying the course.

“I really would like to work for one of the consulate offices in Atlanta,” said Thrasher.

But with so many people out of work, Lars is afraid he’ll be competing for jobs against people with decades of experience.

“It really worries me. I try not to pay attention to statistics but I guess that’s the hand I got dealt,” said Thrasher.

A survey of employers found there will be seven percent fewer jobs for students who graduate in 2010. FSU Career Center Director Jeff Garis has seen a surge in students seeking career counseling. Often times they choose to stay in school.

“We believe that should be an individual choice. We don’t’ think people should overreach and assume there are no jobs out there and use that as a
reason to go to graduate school,” said Garis.

But it’s not just graduates going back to campus. Many people have abandoned the job hunt are enrolling in Florida colleges as undergrads.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce is pushing the state to attract more science, technology, engineering and math based businesses to the state. The chamber is also working with educators to create better technology based programs in Florida schools.