Many are still waiting for happy endings

A starting point
The hunt began in January 2008. Madeline V. Verochio would search the JobX website—hosted by the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of Career Services—and the classified section of the Daily Evergreen, looking for employment.

She spent countless hours filling out applications and job inquiries, sending resumes and writing cover letters explaining her merits. Unfortunately, her efforts went mostly unnoticed.

Verochio would sign on to her white HP laptop computer and check her e-mail at various times through out the day. “It got to be a little obsessive at times,” admits Verochio. Rejection letters would sometimes litter her inbox.

Verochio was beginning to feel restless and uncertain.

“I was really struggling to cover the rest of my living expenses and I needed a job,” said Verochio. “It eventually came to the point when I just gave up. I wasn’t finding anything. No one seemed interested. I got really discouraged.”

Eventually, she gave up the ghost. Instead, she focused on her academics making sure that she was on track for graduation in May 2009. In doing so, she almost entirely forgot about finding a job.

Sarah Jolly, an acquaintance of Verochio, was employed with University Relations as a clerical assistant. Jolly was graduating in May 2008 which would in turn leave the position with University Relations available for the upcoming academic year. “Sarah recommended me for the position,” said Verochio.

Soon after Jolly’s recommendation, Verochio met with Barb Olson for an interview.

The reality
Many Americans are struggling to find employment. Due to a worsening economy, unemployment rates both nationally and regionally have drastically increased.

According to a recent report by the state Employment Security Department, Washington State’s unemployment rate has increased to 8.4% in February.

This rate has increased by .6% since January. Furthermore, unemployment in the state of Washington has increased by 3.7% since the same time last year.

Washington State’s unemployment rates are even higher than the national average of 8.1%.

Whitman County’s unemployment rate is up .6% from last year to 5%. The county currently boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the state despite Washington State University’s—a large employer in the area—hiring freeze and budget cuts.

In August 2008 Gov. Christine Gregoire ordered all Washington state colleges and universities to implement a hiring freeze while simultaneously reducing travel and equipment expenses. As a result, Washington State University has limited its staff recruitment efforts to allow only for the replacement of positions deemed essential to university operations.

Matthew A. Skinner, associate budget director said, “For hiring freeze purposes, each Dean or Director works with the Provost, Chancellor or Vice President of the department to determine if a position is essential.” Ultimately, there is no standard as to how ‘essential’ is defined.

The hiring freeze has resulted in fewer positions being filled at Washington State University. 215 fewer people were hired during May and December 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007, said Skinner. This means that there were nearly 50 percent fewer positions filled.

Joan S. King, director of budget and planning said, “The initial hiring freeze has proven to have been a prudent step. By slowing the rate of hiring last April, it has resulted in less people being laid off due to budget cuts.”

Washington State University’s recent budget cuts are aimed at reducing communication expenditures, increases in salaries and hiring new faculty and staff.

A happy ending
Shortly after the interviewing process was completed, Verochio was offered the position with University Relations. Verochio said, “Sometimes that’s all it takes. Knowing the right person and making the right connections.”

In a recent USA Today article, despite the economic recession, colleges and universities have created more than 220,000 new jobs since the recession began in December 2007. This sector of the national economy is one of the few industries still creating and filling positions.

Verochio’s hiring mirrors this national trend. However, her long and grueling search to find a job echoes a struggle that plagues many Americans today.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do after I graduate in May and leave University Relations,” said Verochio. “To be honest, I’m really scared. With the way the economy is going right now, things aren’t looking good for a lot of us.”

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References:

Madeline V. Verochio – Clerical Assistant with University Relations

Joan S. King – Executive Director of Budget and Planning
(509) 335-9681

Matthew A. Skinner – Associate Director of Budget
(509) 335-1836

Cauchon, Dennis. “Certain areas of economy swelling with jobs”. USA Today.

“Current Employment Situation”. Workforce Explorer: Washington. Washington State Employment Security Department.