VALDOSTA —
Students will graduate this weekend from Valdosta State University and the world awaits them.
Although they are graduating at a tough economic time, it’s hardly the first downturn and will almost certainly not be the last. The abiity to be flexible and understanding that professions come and go with the needs of the times are as essential today as they have been for decades.
For example, it’s obviously a very tough time for new teachers to be graduating. Schools still need new teachers, but with layoffs in the state and the nation, it’s going to be more and more difficult to find a job. Same goes for construction careers.
However, the demand for engineers has never been higher, with computer science and information systems not far behind. Demand for accounting majors and business management graduates fell somewhat this year but are still high.
So does that mean you won’t be able to find a job in your career if you aren’t in one of the so-called “hot” ones? No, but it does mean that this is a good time to be realistic about your expectations.
Every year about this time, the paper’s rant and rave lines heat up with calls from students who are appalled at the starting salaries they are being offered post-graduation. Far too many think that the piece of paper gives them an automatic in to a $50k plus salary and a title. While education may help to ensure that they get to that point someday, no one starts out as the boss unless they are self-employed.
Humility and a willingness to pay your dues gracefully while you learn and gain experience are two of the most important attributes a new graduate can have, regardless of their career choices.
Be happy that you have come this far with your education and look forward to your future. The bumps and obstacles along the way are the fun part of life and nothing to fret about. Your future is ahead of you, so make the most of it!
Business Roundup
Do y’all know the bright green colored building on N. Ashley that was an oriental restaurant for a number of years? The property is sold and it looks like Taco Bell will be moving there from its current location two doors down.
The Creekside Outfitters that I reported as closed that was next to Only Options has actually now moved to a location on Park Ave.
The Smok’n Pig restaurant had a visitor last week from an international barbecue association. He tried to talk them into opening a restaurant in Switzerland. Can’t picture it going over as well there, but you never know.
Camera America is closing its doors. Lots of local photographers are going to miss them.
There is a new store open on N. Ashley Street, where there seems to be a lot of activity lately, called the Cartridge World. It’s next to Bynum’s Diner
And yes, it looks like McDonalds is moving in on N. Valdosta Road next to Mom and Dads.
Not much else to report on this week, but hopefully things will start picking up soon. If there’s anything I missed, please let me know!
Business
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Graduate in Red Graduation Gown Royalty-Free/Corbis
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