City unemployment stands at 9.8 percent
Syracuse’s unemployment rate is higher than the national and state average.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics officials said unemployment rates rose in 26 states during the month of August, while 12 states recorded rate decreases and 12 others reported no change.
Lisa Boily, an economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, said there were 6,182 Syracuse residents unemployed during August, leading the city to a 9.8 unemployment rate — significantly higher than the New York state, with a 7.7 rate. The nation had an overall 9.1 unemployment rate as of late August, Boily said.
New York led the nation in total jobs lost with 22,700 net jobs lost in August, according to a Sept. 16 Associated Press article. Although New York may be leading the nation in loss of jobs, it could still have an average unemployment rate due to the immense size of the state and the amount of jobs that exist, Boily said.
‘It would make sense for New York to lose a lot of jobs because there’s a lot of jobs in New York,’ she said. ‘Montana wouldn’t lose that many jobs because there isn’t that many people there. You have more people, so you have more potential for a large number of losses.’
Donald Dutkowsky, economics professor at Syracuse University, said the fate of upcoming graduates all depends on their major. Professional business services have increased, and there’s a modest gain in government and medical services as well, he said.
Dutkowsky encourages seniors to visit Career Services and utilize its resources.
‘Go to planning and placement, see what you can do career-wise with your major,’ he said. ‘Get your resume together and let them help you market your major skill so you can see what you can do with it.’
Dutkowsky said the unemployment rate for college graduates is around 4 percent, which is about half of the nation’s total rate.
‘It’s an uphill battle and those with the best GPAs will typically do better. There are always some majors that are more attractive than others,’ he said. ‘There are jobs out there. College graduates have a huge advantage over non-college graduates. Market yourself the best you can and go out and look.’
The economy is struggling, but there are more opportunities for college graduates right now, Dutkowsky said. Graduates just have to look harder, market themselves smarter and show what they’ve mastered in school through their GPA, he said.
‘It’s a slow economy, and it’s been a slow economy for years,’ Dutkowsky said. ‘You have to take your opportunities when you can get them.’
Published on September 25, 2011 at 12:00 pm
