Attention: the failing economy might not be that big of an obstacle for Castleton State College students. In fact, some school officials think students may have nothing to worry about when it comes to finding a job after graduation because the nation’s baby boomers are retiring.

“Look around us,” said Career Development Director Judith Curruthers. “This place is run by boomers. In a few years they will all be retiring.”

Carruthers, and Castleton’s Director of the Robert T. Stafford Center for the Support and Study of the Community Chrispin White, have developed a four-year program at Castleton that focuses on helping students not only discover their ideas and dreams, but to help them work toward reaching those dreams.

Carrruthers believes that there are three magic questions students should ask themselves in order to achieve their goals. What is your major? What do you love to do? What are you doing to make your goals happen?

“My job here at Castleton is to help students identify their ideas and help them get there,” she said.

The weakened U.S. economy also doesn’t seem to worry her. When asked whether she fears that it will affect students’ futures, Carruthers was casual in her response.

“This is not my first recession. Been there, done that,” she said. “It’s a bad time for people my age, but not such a bad time for students. (They’re) cheaper.”

“I am worried that there is going to be a part-time job shortage for students, because the adults that have been laid off are going to be applying to those places like McDonalds,” she said.

Luckily though, so many boomers are retiring from higher-level jobs that Carruthers believes there isn’t going to be physically enough bodies to fill them.
She said that before Christmas break, a senior came into her office and was stressing out considerably. She wanted to do something involving Spanish, but wanted a job located in Rutland.

“I love seeing students come in stressed out and then who leave with a smile on their face and a list of things to do,” she said. Carruthers then leads the student to several places in search of a job, adding “the best place to start is to ask for informational meetings.”

The girl found what she was looking for, and the place hired her right on the spot. She will be traveling to South America next year.

Other students expressed worry as well, but also have similar expectations as Carruthers.

“I am nervous about the shitty economy of course. But with my major being accounting, there is still a demand for us. So I am not necessarily worried,” said CSC senior Kirsten Holmgren.

Dave Trottier, who is graduating in May with Holmgren, shared a similar response.

“I am going to try to find a job within the criminal justice field. I’m not worried though, because the poor economy gives me job security. When the economy is bad, crime goes up so the need for law enforcement officers increases,” he said.

Carruthers urges students to jump on an internship as soon as possible, saying it is very important for students to get out there and know people. Otherwise, she tells students simply not to stress and be proactive because there are jobs still out there.

“People are still calling to register for career fairs and they are still posting jobs on our Castleton online connections,” Carruthers said with confidence. “We still have many people who are coming to look for our students.