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!
Kay Harris
Related Photos
-
Graduate in Red Graduation Gown Royalty-Free/Corbis
Discussion
Business This Week: What does the world hold for graduates?
- Kay Harris
-
-
Shopping to raise money for charities
Most people can find any one of a number of reasons to shop, but this week, you will have a legitimate excuse.
-
Business This Week: Technology is a blessing and a curse
I am not the most adept person with technology. It changes too often, so I just keep adapting to the new ways of doing things without taking the time to understand them.
-
Business This Week: Enjoy Fourth of July festivities next weekend
As one who grew up fascinated by daredevil Evil Knievel and his various feats, including the infamous Snake River Canyon rocket car jump, seeing his son Robbie follow in his footsteps is a once in a lifetime opportunity in Valdosta.
-
Business This Week: Cherish your fathers
Today is the day to Honor Thy Father.
-
Business This Week: Horse Creek is a wonderful find
While a number of people have discovered the delightful winery in our midst, some may not yet know about Horse Creek Winery.
Row upon row of grape vines greet customers to the winery, which is located off the Adel Highway just a few miles outside Nashville in Berrien County. Owned by longtime residents of the region, Ed Perry takes pride in the quality of the Muscadine grapes they produce, which are handpicked only when ripe.
You can read all about the winery, which recently won an astounding number of awards at an international wine competition, earning one gold and five bronze medals, in the latest copy of the Valdosta Scene magazine. -
Business This Week: A day for honoring fallen soldiers
Honoring those who have died in battle is a tradition that goes back centuries. In America, the tradition became entrenched following the Civil War and after WWI the honor extended to all war veterans.
There are several local events Monday to mark Memorial Day, and scores of volunteers will decorate the graves of veterans throughout the region to recognize their contributions to our peace. -
Business This Week: Blooms bring 600 visitors to town
The Daylily Society is hosting the American Hemerocallis Society’s national convention this week, which will bring at least 600 visitors to Valdosta.
-
Business This Week: On the peach trail
I’m sorry if you missed it, but the annual Peach Festival was held in Morven yesterday. However, it’s still good even if you did because that means that the peaches are ripe and ready.
This time of year means fresh fruit and vegetables throughout our area, from peaches to peanuts to peppers and more. -
Business This Week: 100 Black Men Black Tie Dinner
This coming Saturday, May 15, the 100 Black Men of Valdosta Inc. are hosting their annual Black Tie Dinner.
-
Business This Week: What does the world hold for graduates?
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. - More Kay Harris Headlines
-
Shopping to raise money for charities
