2008 Woodie Awards
Editorial: Job cuts could hurt future graduates
Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: Editorial/Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
10/23/07 - Students attend college for various reasons. Some attend to increase their intellectual capabilities, strengthen independence and essentially "grow up."
Most importantly, students attend college to earn degrees that will give them greater access to jobs within the local and national job market. However, students, and more importantly soon-to-be graduates, should take a close look at the Rhode Island job market, especially considering the state's recent budget woes.
Last week, R.I. Gov. Donald Carcieri announced plans to cut about 1,000 state worker positions in order to help balance a $200 million budget deficit. While job cuts may not directly affect students today, the issue does raise some concern. What is shocking is that soon-to-be graduates could have possibly filled some of these expected 1,000 positions, which will no longer exist.
The governor has yet to name the specific departments that could be affected by the proposal, which leaves the public wondering what will happen next.
Political science students that want a job at the administration level might be out of luck if the cuts were to take place within their field. Rather than have engineering students pursue jobs within Rhode Island's Department of Transportation, engineering graduates may be forced to join private companies outside Rhode Island. If state positions within the Department of Environmental Management, DCYF, teachers unions, etc., are eliminated then students will lose additional opportunities.
Students can also be affected if their family and friends are employed by the state. Job loss that affects students' loved ones could make them think twice about seeking employment in Rhode Island.
In the end, the governor's budget cuts could result in a limited pool of educated workers. The job market is fickle and Gov. Carcieri isn't making things any easier for local students.
For students looking for career opportunities, URI is holding a Job and Internship Fair tomorrow at the Ryan Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. About 100 businesses and organizations will occupy the Ryan Center, looking to attract prospective workers.
Who knows, a short trip to the Ryan Center could result in a future job - one that the governor may not be able to cut.
Most importantly, students attend college to earn degrees that will give them greater access to jobs within the local and national job market. However, students, and more importantly soon-to-be graduates, should take a close look at the Rhode Island job market, especially considering the state's recent budget woes.
Last week, R.I. Gov. Donald Carcieri announced plans to cut about 1,000 state worker positions in order to help balance a $200 million budget deficit. While job cuts may not directly affect students today, the issue does raise some concern. What is shocking is that soon-to-be graduates could have possibly filled some of these expected 1,000 positions, which will no longer exist.
The governor has yet to name the specific departments that could be affected by the proposal, which leaves the public wondering what will happen next.
Political science students that want a job at the administration level might be out of luck if the cuts were to take place within their field. Rather than have engineering students pursue jobs within Rhode Island's Department of Transportation, engineering graduates may be forced to join private companies outside Rhode Island. If state positions within the Department of Environmental Management, DCYF, teachers unions, etc., are eliminated then students will lose additional opportunities.
Students can also be affected if their family and friends are employed by the state. Job loss that affects students' loved ones could make them think twice about seeking employment in Rhode Island.
In the end, the governor's budget cuts could result in a limited pool of educated workers. The job market is fickle and Gov. Carcieri isn't making things any easier for local students.
For students looking for career opportunities, URI is holding a Job and Internship Fair tomorrow at the Ryan Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. About 100 businesses and organizations will occupy the Ryan Center, looking to attract prospective workers.
Who knows, a short trip to the Ryan Center could result in a future job - one that the governor may not be able to cut.