It is difficult to read anything in the news (or this blog) without seeing an article or opinion piece on the current state of the economy.  Higher education has not been immune to the changing economic crisis.  I have felt very fortunate lately because the institution where I work has been able to continue operating as usual, and there have not been lay-offs or suspension of services for students and staff.  We will not be getting raises next year, but compared to the experience of colleagues at other institutions this is a small set-back.

    Recently there was a photograph of a career fair at the University of Georgia which was published in the Chronicle.  In the caption it was noted that this year the career fair drew 30% fewer companies than last year.  This picture and caption got me thinking about my work with students and how this change in the job search process may relate to student affairs work.  In my position with residence life, I work with three academically focused living and learning communities for students in business, agriculture, and arts and architecture.  We collaborate with the academic colleges and career services staff members to support students as they go through the job- and internship-searching processes.

    As job searching becomes more and more competitive, how will the role of student affairs professionals change?  I suspect that we will be relied on more and more to provide counseling and support for students feeling the added pressure to land a good job, as well as for students who are facing unprecedented degrees of rejection.  Colleagues in career services offices are likely to face a steep increase in demand for their services and expertise.  It is possible that the attitudes and aspirations of students may change as they plan for their futures in this new economic climate.

    What have you seen at your institution?  Has the economic downturn influenced your work with students?