Campus News

For college seniors, getting a job seems out of reach

By |

Getting a job is hard enough for college seniors and when a worldwide pandemic is thrown into the mix, it seems almost impossible. Gloria Kobler has applied to 100 jobs in the past three weeks alone and has had several interviews canceled, and even a job offer rescinded. For many companies, hiring new employees is on hold, putting many college seniors and graduates in a tough place as they enter the job market. As many states continue to enact stay-at-home orders, it’s unclear as to when many of those entering the job market will be able to start working.

Education

More Michigan med school grads, too few residency spots

By |

By KYLE CAMPBELL
Capital News Service
LANSING — Despite three new medical colleges opening within a three-year span, Michigan likely won’t see an increase in doctors, but rather an increase in the exodus of graduates to other states, experts say. Oakland University, which opened its medical program in 2011, admitted 50 students in its inaugural class and 75 more in 2012. Central Michigan University’s medical school, set to open this summer, plans to admit about 60 students into its class and Western Michigan University plans to take 50 for its pioneer class in August 2014. All intend to increase admissions annually during their first few years. However, that increase will have little effect on the number of physicians practicing in the state, particularly in the already-underserved areas of Northern Michigan, because the state doesn’t have enough graduate medical education (GME) programs to accommodate them, said Sheri Clarke, president of the Michigan Association for Medical Education.

Business & Economy

Local government jobs still lure new college graduates

By |

By SILU GUO
Capital News Service
LANSING – For recent college grads wanting government jobs, the overall number of opportunities continues to shrink. But there is still hope — local governments in some areas are hiring more staff, according to Phil Gardner, director of research for the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University. “Right now, public sector jobs really depend on retirements,” Gardner said. “Government is one sector where retirements have been and are expected to provide opportunities for new graduates.”

Gardner added, “But retirements have not started in big numbers yet — unless forced.”
According to Michigan Labor Market Information, local governments in Wayne County hired 386 employees in the first quarter of 2012, ranking first among all counties, followed by Macomb and Ingham. But the total number of local government employees decreased slightly, according to Michigan Labor Market Information, compiled by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

Business & Economy

Homelessness down statewide, but higher in the Northern Lower Penninsula

By |

By SAODAT ASANOVA-TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING – While improving economic conditions have reduced homelessness overall in the state, the numbers are still rising for some regions, including the Northern Lower Penninsula. A total of 94,033 people were homeless in Michigan sometime in 2011, according to the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. That is down 6 percent from the previous year. That reduction is strong evidence of successful work by programs such as the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness, said Eric Hufnagel, executive director of the coalition. This campaign was launched in 2006 to prevent homelessness and support people at risk of becoming homeless.