MiddletownJournal.com

Abby Thomas has had some job interviews.

But the Miami University senior, who graduates in May, hasn't received any offers yet and now she's out of leads.

"I don't know anyone who has a job yet, which is not normal for Miami," said the Ross Twp. resident.

Thomas and many other college students who attended a recent job fair on campus were feeling anxious about a market that has seen unemployment among college graduates steadily rise 1.7 percent in the last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"There's been a couple larger companies that e-mailed me back saying thanks, but those positions are on hold," said Thomas, a strategic communications major.

"I know that jobs are out there, it's just finding one."

Students across all majors are concerned about whether they'll find a job as the number of openings across the country reached an 18-month low of 2.7 million in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"Some students are lucky to graduate into a booming economy. Other times it's not booming," said Miami economics professor James Brock, who's been teaching for 30 years.

Brock said students could be at a disadvantage as they compete for openings in Butler County, with an unemployment rate of 8 percent in Middletown and 7.1 percent in Hamilton near the end of last year, according to the Ohio Job and Family Services.

Or, students could be in a perfect spot to find a job as companies tighten their financial belts, Brock said.

"On the one hand, you would think that a lack of experience might make it a little harder to get a job. On the other hand, hiring young people without experience is cheaper," he said.

"I think they will all find something to do, but it just may take a little longer than usual."

Senior Allyson Ballengee said she is ready to wait out a good offer.

The 21-year-old Columbus native had planned on a job in marketing, but now she thinks sales will be a better choice in this limping economy.

"The first thing that gets cut is advertising, but you always need sales," she said.

Even as she described her job search as "nerve-wracking," she's not willing to settle for just anything. She's already turned down one job she didn't think was right.

"I'm not going to just take an offer that's on the table," she said, adding she's planning to move back in with her parents if she doesn't have a job by her May graduation.

"If it's not there for a few months after I graduate, so be it," she said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mengle@coxohio.com.