[freckles81]

Is the unemployment rate in Connecticut abnormally high in comparison to other states?

I suppose peoples opinions will differ depending on how the economy has affected them. But what about the facts? I have been unemployed since March 2009 and can't find a job not for lack of trying. I have taken temp assignments here and there but that just doesn't cut it. I fear I will have to take a minimum wage retail position soon.

I'm in my late twenties, have been to college and really don't know where to go from here. I'm wondering if the CT economy just sucks and if I would fare better elsewhere.

[mlassoff]

It's not easy here, but I get the sense, Connecticut is not as hard hit as other parts of the county (think Las Vegas). I think many of the problems with Connecticut employment are more institutional than economy related--

1) There is little Creative Economy... In Austin, where I lived for 17 years, we had a whole economy of artists, commercial designers, photographers, web designers, etc. I see little of that activity here. I think that is because there is little...

2) Little large scale technological entrepreneurship here. Except for, perhaps, its tax structure (which I think is a smaller issue than most make it out to be), there are many good reasons Connecticut could be a hub for technological entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurship I do see here (which is alive and well) seems to consist mainly of service businesses.

3) Everyone has a degree... Having attended college doesn't set you apart in Connecticut. While this is a good thing, I'm not sure that just being a college graduate is enough to get you a job.

That having been said, it doesn't help someone who's struggling and jobless.

To the OP:
What field are you in?
What are your skills?
Why would I want to hire you instead of the next guy?

I was a hiring exec in Austin for years, and it amazed me, how many job seekers were their own worst enemies. They couldn't sufficiently make the case for hiring them...

Good luck. If you can't find anything, make your own job. Nothing has made me happier in my professional life than my current company... I'll never have a job again-- I made my own.

[JayCT]

You do not say what your degree is in. Overall the Connecticut economy is better than other parts of the country with unemployment under the national average. your problem is shared on just about every other board in this forum. You might be wise to broaden your job search if possible to adjacent states. Good luck, Jay

[freckles81]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

It's not easy here, but I get the sense, Connecticut is not as hard hit as other parts of the county (think Las Vegas). I think many of the problems with Connecticut employment are more institutional than economy related--

1) There is little Creative Economy... In Austin, where I lived for 17 years, we had a whole economy of artists, commercial designers, photographers, web designers, etc. I see little of that activity here. I think that is because there is little...

2) Little large scale technological entrepreneurship here. Except for, perhaps, its tax structure (which I think is a smaller issue than most make it out to be), there are many good reasons Connecticut could be a hub for technological entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurship I do see here (which is alive and well) seems to consist mainly of service businesses.

3) Everyone has a degree... Having attended college doesn't set you apart in Connecticut. While this is a good thing, I'm not sure that just being a college graduate is enough to get you a job.

That having been said, it doesn't help someone who's struggling and jobless.

To the OP:
What field are you in?
What are your skills?
Why would I want to hire you instead of the next guy?

I was a hiring exec in Austin for years, and it amazed me, how many job seekers were their own worst enemies. They couldn't sufficiently make the case for hiring them...

Good luck. If you can't find anything, make your own job. Nothing has made me happier in my professional life than my current company... I'll never have a job again-- I made my own.

To the OP:
What field are you in? I majored in graphic design which was a big mistake. As you mentioned there really aren't that many opportunities for that field in the area of CT that I live in. Perhaps down by Stamford there are more than here, but it's also a lot more expensive down there.

My previous full-time position was doing administrative work, basic stuff like answering the phones, filing, running errands etc...

I know a strike against me is that my work history is varied and I don't have all that much experience doing anything.

What are your skills?
As far as skills I'm good with the computer and picking up new things quickly.

As far as hobbies I like to craft and make things. I'm doing a craft show next month, so I guess I can see how well received my work is.

Why would I want to hire you instead of the next guy?
I don't really know how to get myself past the HR gatekeeper. I'm sure they get a ton of resumes and glance at yours for only a second or two, how to stand out?

I have excellent references. I'm a hard worker, responsible, reliable and all that jazz, but I think everyone says that. Unless they hire you, you can't really prove it.

[toddb]

A good friend is a freelancer to various companies, doing graphic design work up by Hartford. There is a fair amount of this, but a lot of the design for the bigger firms is done either in/near NYC or in places that attract that type of talent (Austin, San Fran, and plenty of places abroad).

Best bet is to snatch up some of the demo versions of software and learn them. Or go to the library if they have it. Most of the big names give you a 60-180 day demo of their larger packages for free. Or, they offer a massive discount for purchase (obtaining a .edu email address from your college's alumni group might help - Adobe occasionally offers 90% discount for students). Look for graphic design firms in your area, put together a portfolio of some of your work (and especially a website - Wordpress is easy to use, and can be hosted for cheap on places like Dreamhost or even at home), and start to market yourself. Join groups on LinkedIn and offer your services, pointing to your website. Milk everyone you know, let them know you're available for work and what you do. Even volunteer for some non-profits (or look for an internship) to build your portfolio.

If you enjoy crafts, and not necessarily the technology side, etsy.com is a great resource to pick up some money. Also advertising on craigslist. If you build up enough of a clientele, you can even open your own store.

The trick is find your passion, and run with it. Don't just push resumes to HR people via the web - do what you love, be pushy, and get your work out there. If you are good, your work will speak for itself.

Good luck!

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by toddb

A good friend is a freelancer to various companies, doing graphic design work up by Hartford. There is a fair amount of this, but a lot of the design for the bigger firms is done either in/near NYC or in places that attract that type of talent (Austin, San Fran, and plenty of places abroad).

Best bet is to snatch up some of the demo versions of software and learn them. Or go to the library if they have it. Most of the big names give you a 60-180 day demo of their larger packages for free. Or, they offer a massive discount for purchase (obtaining a .edu email address from your college's alumni group might help - Adobe occasionally offers 90% discount for students). Look for graphic design firms in your area, put together a portfolio of some of your work (and especially a website - Wordpress is easy to use, and can be hosted for cheap on places like Dreamhost or even at home), and start to market yourself. Join groups on LinkedIn and offer your services, pointing to your website. Milk everyone you know, let them know you're available for work and what you do. Even volunteer for some non-profits (or look for an internship) to build your portfolio.

If you enjoy crafts, and not necessarily the technology side, etsy.com is a great resource to pick up some money. Also advertising on craigslist. If you build up enough of a clientele, you can even open your own store.

The trick is find your passion, and run with it. Don't just push resumes to HR people via the web - do what you love, be pushy, and get your work out there. If you are good, your work will speak for itself.

Good luck!

Excellent advice Todd. Rep +1

I woud add that it seems like there ARE graphic design jobs in New Haven and Fairfield County. However, there is a lot of competition for these jobs and having a quality, up-to-date, portfolio, both online and a printed book, is critical to obtaining these positions.