Dear....University, thanks for the Degree, but, can I please get my Money Back!

For many recent graduates the stress on the economy has had a significant impact on their dreams. Most of them entered college 4 years ago, believing in Meritocracy (i.e. working hard will pay off). Four years later they walk across the stage with a degree in hand but no job offers in sight. Now they are thrust out into the world with thousands of dollars in school loans and no income.

Well, what about the seasoned young professionals who at the peak of their careers have been laid off with no prospects of rebounding. At this point for both the novel graduates and the alumnus the investment that they thought they were making into their future is not looking so sound.

The value of a college degree for most is immeasurable, especially for minorities, who several decades ago would not have been afforded the opportunity. However, dreams have been deferred but the loans have not. For those who have been out of jobs for over a year, the search has become intolerable. To make ends meet most have taken on jobs as servers and in retail. What do you do, who do you turn to? Job seekers need to get creative about how to find jobs, simply sending in a resume won't do.

While writing your University that letter the get your money back for that degree you're not using, here are some tips that may help find work in a difficult economy.

The first thing you need to do is map out a plan. not just one where you count how many resumes you've sent out in a given day, but a plan that has strategic steps that will guide you to your ultimate goal, finding a job! One that's measurable and has clear steps and a timeline.

Drink away your stress at Networking Events
So, I'm sure stress is your number one enemy right now, so alcohol has become your best friend, right. Find out what networking events are going on in your field and attend them. You can likely find info on these via professional organizations in your field - check their websites. Second, join social networking sites liked Linked In (www.linkedin.com) and connect with people in your field and find out if they know of any industry events that are going on in your area. Lastly, use your connections via Facebook, Linked In, etc...and set-up lunch meeting and grab a quick drink with someone in your field and pick their brain. The quickest way to find a job these days is via networking. If someone inside the company can vouch for you, you have an internal cheerleader and you'll get the edge over other candidates.

Freelance/Contract Work
Just because you're not working does not mean that you should not continue to master your craft. Make sure you are keeping up with the current trends in your field and checking out what the company's you're interested in working in are doing. Everyday you should be preparing yourself for "THAT" opportunity. Whatever one you've been waiting for all your life, so when it comes...you're more than prepared. While companies are laying off there is still work that needs to be done and some may consider bringing in a freelance or contract employee as an alternative to a full-time one. That way you can do some project work for them as an independent contractor and they don't have to commit to hire you full-time. This is also a great way to build your resume while looking for a job. Market yourself as a consultant, freelancer or independent contractor looking for project work. Contact employers letting them know that you are available for contract work. Highlight for them the benefits of bringing in a contractor. Not only is this a great way to make some cash while job hunting but it can also get your foot in the door with several companies who will have seen your work firsthand.

Join a professional organization/Volunteer
Surround yourself with your peers and those working in your field by joining a professional organization. These organizations offer resources that can help you get closer to finding a job. Attend the organizations' workshops, events and volunteer programs get to know the people you're working with, let them know that you're looking. Also, most corporation have foundations or charities that they support, find out what those are and volunteer. You'll find the Chairman or VP at those volunteer events. What better way to connect with them?

These are just a few ways to get creative and strategic about finding a job. I know it's hard and its frustrating, but there not testimony without a test right?