14-05-2025
‘Hiring is really no different than it was a year ago': CSU on job outlook for graduates
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Following graduation last Friday, some Columbus State University (CSU) students are out of the frying pan and into the fire.
They're joining millions of Americans who are looking for jobs, as concern surrounding hirability mounts.
'I think what's different right now is that there's pessimism about the economy due to the recent federal government layoffs and also the possibility of recession because of the tariffs,' said Patrick Keebler, director of CSU's Center for Career Design.
Keebler is a newcomer to CSU and he's on a mission to make sure its students find jobs. Next year, the career center will implement single-credit courses, and additional programs, which it hopes will prepare students for the workforce.
Although Keebler has observed rising student concern about getting hired this year, he said the job market is looking steady.
'Hiring is really no different than it was a year ago, and a year ago it was actually quite good,' Keebler said.
In April of 2025, the unemployment rate was 4.2%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Keebler said, thousands of jobs and internships approach CSU students with opportunities each year.
'We're helping students become career resilient so that they're able to thrive in the labor market, regardless of the economic conditions,' Keebler said.
As of now, CSU doesn't have career outcome data for its graduating class. Keebler expects to have those numbers within the next year.
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