Bachelor's degree — check.
And now, Amanda Cochrane is on her way to landing a job — or so she hopes.
The 28-year-old, who graduated from Davenport University in August, is instead facing a stagnant Michigan economy with an unemployment rate at 7.1 percent, as of last month.
"That puts us tied for the worst (in the nation)," said Jim Rhein, an economic analyst for Lansing-based Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.
Cochrane, an Eaton Rapids resident, doubts her chances for finding work in Michigan, but she spent Tuesday afternoon with 2,000 other job-seekers at the Michigan Works! Fall Job Expo in Lansing filling out job applications and handing out résumés.
About 60 employers, from television news stations to oil changing places and government departments, came to the Lansing Center.
There are some bright spots in the economy, though. In the health-care industry and the professional business field 14,000 jobs were added from August 2005 to August 2006, Rhein said.
However, those sectors of the state's economy experiencing job growth are not enough to offset declines in the manufacturing and retail sectors, Rhein said.
"It makes me want to move, but I don't have that option," Cochrane said. "I'm stuck where I'm at."
The 60 potential employers in Lansing on Tuesday were the reasons Theresa Gonzales, 42, looked for a job and extra income while she attends Lansing Community College.
Still, watching more than 2,000 other people compete for jobs unnerved the Lansing resident.
"That's a little overwhelming when I couldn't find a parking spot," Gonzales said.
Cochrane and Gonzales were two faces in the expo crowd. Many people in attendance were dressed in suits and high heels while others wore jeans and tennis shoes.
Some employers had advice for MSU students on how to win over recruiters and what not to do at job fairs.
"I'm amazed by the number of people who don't bring résumés," said Linda Barr Horney, who recruited financial consultants for the financial holding company Hantz Financial's Okemos office.
"First impressions got to be everything," she said.
Having a professional look is crucial, agreed Scott Truman, the general sales manager for four mid-Michigan radio stations.
At job fairs, many students gravitate toward the big corporations, steering away from local businesses. Truman pointed out that seeking smaller employers is a better way to gain experience.
He also said MSU students should articulate their goals and motivations.
"Be focused on what you're looking for," Truman said. "Be ready to share that with the employer."
