OKC job market (Stillwater: loans, lawyers, house) - Oklahoma City - Oklahoma - City-Data Forum

rocketcamp · 10-10-2008, 11:26 AM

My name is Michael and i'm new to the forums...

So, I just graduated from OSU-Stillwater with a bachelor's in Political Science, moved back with my parents and have been looking for a job since I graduated this July, and haven't secured employment still. Is anyone in the same boat?

I feel like just taking any job available or possibly relocating to Dallas.

TimC2462 · 10-10-2008, 12:21 PM

rocketcamp,

I think it would be helpful to mention what kind of job you're looking for. I would also suggest enlisting the help career services at your OSU college. I'm pretty sure they have connections with employers in OK state.

Tim C.

Goodpasture · 10-10-2008, 03:21 PM

First of all, I would have taken any job available as soon as I graduated. Being self sufficient and independent is too important to me.

"Any job available"? Why did you go to school if you didn't have a goal? If you do have a goal, move in that direction. If you don't have a goal, develop one as soon as possible. Your goal doesn't have to be specific. Just decide what you want to do with your life.

If the choice is moving to Dallas to hang out or staying at home hanging out, do your parents a favor and let them have the rest of their lives.....move to Dallas.

#1soonerfan · 10-10-2008, 10:45 PM

Wow man. I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm an almost-college grad and I definitley understand what your going though and I have several friends who do as well.

Here's the thing. I would like to know what your looking for. I can say that its always been my understanding that poly-sci was a degree one got if you wanted to go to grad or law school unless you wanted to work in the "bowels" of political organizations or be a teacher. So I think that may your first problem.

Based on that I think your better off staying in a political town like OKC. They ALWAYS have a need for senate and house aides. Call your state rep. and see if there's anything available. You may want to try calling some of the state agencies directly (DEQ, Corporation Commission, etc.) as they usually have a need for political people. Also, try some of the law firms in and around downtown. I have never met so many lawyers until I moved here! Surely one of them needs a legal clerk or assistant. Seriously, bust open the yellow pages one day, find the "Attorneys" section, and just start making phone calls. Of course nothing I've rattled off here is uber-glamorous work that will make you rich, but it will get you out of your parents house.

And I can say being from there, based on your field I wouldn't recommend DFW at this point. There's numerous opportunities, but your also competing against 3 million people for them. Unemployment in Texas is a notch higher, and I think DFW in particular, considering its a major financial hub of the Southwest, is about to get hammered with all thats going on with the stock market. I wouldn't say completely remove that option, but if your not getting so much an interview in OKC I doubt moving to Dallas is going to drastically improve your situation. If you really want to move to Texas, try Houston first IMO.

Last but not least, hit up the career placement service at OSU since you just graduated. They allow almuni to apply for jobs. Also, call up some of your buddies for OSU and see if they have any connections.

If all else fails, I would look into going back to grad school and finding something you really like to do. Economic slumps are the best time to be in school, and I think this one will be a doozy. So if you go back, get comfortable and wait out the storm.

I'm sorry if my post has been long, but like I said I'm kinda in the same boat as you. The ideal thing would have been to start looking for a job before you graduated, but thats the past. You just need to be proactive and exhaust all your options before you do something as drastic as to get up and move without a job.

Keep your spirits up, and good luck to you!!

rocketcamp · 10-24-2008, 10:28 PM

All the suggestions are pretty good, I really need to make my goals for myself... which I already have.

I finally have been having interviews and hopefully I'll find a good job. I don't think the job market is that bad in Oklahoma.

Synopsis · 10-24-2008, 10:34 PM

Use Job Search | one search. all jobs. Indeed. It's a useful website Michael. Good luck in your search!

philmoregenius · 10-24-2008, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketcamp

My name is Michael and i'm new to the forums...

So, I just graduated from OSU-Stillwater with a bachelor's in Political Science, moved back with my parents and have been looking for a job since I graduated this July, and haven't secured employment still. Is anyone in the same boat?

I feel like just taking any job available or possibly relocating to Dallas.

Dallas actually has a better job market that most. There are more fortune 500 companies here than any other major city besides New York or LA. With Poly-Sci, were you a good essayist? Debater? Or multi-choice answerer? Depending on which was your strong suit, you could do many things other than politics, unless that's what you want to do.

I do agree with one poster. Let your parents get on with their lives. I moved out at 18 and only went back for one summer when I was 20 or so.
I took three jobs after graduating just to pay the rent. They weren't "in my field," but eventually I found one that was in my field and replaced the others. You can do it man. One of the other poster's is right though, you have a have a goal and direction. I do understand that finding a job is a job in itself. Which means if you are wiped out from working, it's hard to look for something you really enjoy. I guess I'm just a little jealous. I'm 27 and will be paying off loans for ten more years after graduating 4 years ago.