I’m starting a new job this Monday, so again, I have few complaints. But to answer your enquiry: both. Of course the economy played a role. It has bulldozed the confidence of an entire graduating class, from what I’ve seen and experienced. The difference is that the economy’s effect is universal. The lack of local connections is out-of-stater specific. No industry professionals in Ohio have been rooting for me, as they may have if I had graduated from Ohio State or Ohio U. or any number of local universities.

I guess it’s important to point out that my obstacles have not been insurmountable. I’ve put in the time and energy required to find employment, as anyone can do, and perhaps I’ve worked harder because I felt the need to compensate for my nonexistent network.

That said, how much of your situation do you attribute to the economy and how much towards a lack of local connections? Do you see a lot of people with the local connections getting the jobs?