Note to recent graduates about the value of your degree:
I graduated right after 9/11. Right after. I remember when I was in school that our local paper had 5 pages of jobs open in my field. Good paying jobs even for those with no experience. By the time I got my diploma in the mail, I had not had one single phone call. Those 5 pages of ads had been reduced to a single column on the back of the sports page.
I remember going over and over to the University career center week after week trying to polish my resume, going to mock interviews.
At one time, I had started calling companies up and offering to work as an entry-level engineer for minimum wage if they would just give me a place to use my skills.
No such luck.
In the end, I got a job working in a warehouse for very little money. Over just a few months, the economy go a little better and I ended up getting a job as an engineer for a tiny firm that went out of business.
After I did get some experience, I have found it easier and easier to obtain a job. Even to the point I am at right now where two groups at my current job are in a fight to win me over for a new assignment. Even in this terrible economy.
Here is my advice:
Your degree is worth something....
Don't take the economy personally. They don't want to hire you right now because they can get an expert cheap instead. This will change with time.
Right now is a great time to think about Graduate School. When you graduate you will be light years ahead of your peers. Promotions will come much easier for you later down the road with a graduate degree.
Please don't give up. Your loans can be deferred. Spend some quality time with your friends and family.