Lehman Collapse Sends Students Job Hunting

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Reality is that there are only two political parties to support in the United States and one of those (sometimes only by a thin margin)governs the country. The real problem is that too many people vote Democratic because they always vote that way and vise versa for Republicans. End result? Little or no accountability and, hence, poor government. The solution? "T-tro." The initials stand for T hrow t-he r-ascals o-ut. Which "rascals?" In this case, Republicans ... not because they are Republicans but simply because they have been running the country for the past eight years and it does not appear that they have done a very good job. So, OK, what assurance do we have that, if we "T-tro" the Republicans in November, replacement Democrats will perform any better? None, actually, but four years hence they can be taught that "T-tro" works both ways. Accountability is a great management tool; Americans need to employ it with much greater vigor than is currently the case.

D.S. Arthur of CA 1:58PM October 03, 2008

To all the electorate of Washington D.C. America, you are requested to help the common investor.
This is America, the land of the poor and the rich get to ride on the jumbo jets
Looking down at their kingdom
To All Those Trusting Souls, that invested in Leman Bro’s.
How the investment bastion of the world Leman Bro’s, has come to be incompetent, in
ONE HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS, plus or minus, who’s counting?
Investors would have bet their FIRST BORN that the business principals of
Investing at such an instruction could be stable, and able to weather a storm.
Instead there emerged evidence of INSANITY in the back rooms of all the WALL STREET pillars.
It comforts the average investor that all of the, public, pendants, gurus, and
High placed executive C.E.O.’s will be covered and made whole and unharmed.
Thus ready to begin a new life and saved by US, tax payer.
These fellows are guaranteed Para shoots of GOLD, made of the finest silk
Providing their future is compared to a heavenly reward.
WHO PROTECTS THE COMMON SHARE HOLDER?
Who makes them whole, allowing a new life for family, children, and collage tuition?
That AMERICA intends to give them, protection and safety of a new life.
That is how the American dream is touted.
That they invested in faith that the SEC. and those controlling the finest instructions in the world keep more than a watchful eye in the direction of safety first.
Not true, the executives got golden parachutes and the watch dogs got their pockets lined with gold.
The American dream found only in the out houses of the great American dream
Michae,l In Clermont Florida, 34711
10-01-2008

Michael Spinos of FL 10:28AM September 30, 2008

As a former vice president in the insurance industry who was on the "wrong end" of a corporate acquisition in 1998, I chose to teach. I teach personal finance and accounting to high school students so that they know enough not to get in over their heads.
I'm proud of my 18.5 years as a successful, ethical insurance broker and I'm equally proud of my 9 years as a teacher. Granted the money is not what it used to be, but I have a job...and great health benefits!!
Don't knock it.

Teresa in NJ of NJ 7:42PM September 29, 2008

What a pathethic bunch of losers. Poor little babies were left hanging by corrupt Wall Street firms. Ever heard of caveat emptor? Most of you don't have morals in the first place. If you had, you wouldn't be interning for Lehman Bros. in the first place. Ever think of the serving your country by joining military? Or is that just for dummies like me?

Dr. Billingsgate of CA 4:51PM September 29, 2008

Real life isn't a game show, in real life hard hitting and painful changes can occur at any time no matter how well and individual has thought out and planned his future. Illness, accidents, and economic upheavals can all alter our lives irrevocably and the truly educated and mature person simply adjusts to the new reality and goes about his business.

Ken Besig 2:58AM September 18, 2008

Middle and upper mgt frequently tell the troops; don't worry. They are often trying to convince themselves as much as you.
However, if the view from the bottom looks grim you're probably right.
Top down mgt never tells rank and file whats going on.
Trust your instincts and move on if you sense you company is in serious trouble.
This from an ex executive that did tell folks what when things were bad. And guess what, they all quit. But then so did I :-)!

of OR 10:29PM September 17, 2008

JB I am attending the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in the evening and working during the day. I second your comment. In addition I think we should be looking to be more innovative and finding ways to distinguish ourselves from our competition. We've had it good for a long time and if we are willing to work hard and be creative we will have it good for much longer.

RL from Chicago of IL 3:48PM September 17, 2008

teaching is actually not a bad job in a major downturn. I would strongly recommend it.

shirin of MO 2:38PM September 17, 2008

Getting caught in the financial employment snare is painful and depressing for many. Especially for college seniors and recent grads. And yes, it is a tight job market, but some hard work, reassessment and remarketing will help. There are jobs, just not as many. Give yourself an edge. Try this:
1. Take a little time to get passed the emotion. Go for a run, talk to friends or parents, whatever it takes.
2. Reassess your resume. Are you targeting an area you are really passionate about? Or was financial services what all your friends were doing?
3. Start talking to everyone you know. Unemotionally. Networking is the most common way to find a job. Talk to adults and peers.
4. Visit your career office. Really, they can help.

Gail McDaniel of NY 2:09PM September 17, 2008

It isn't the college degree that makes you recession proof, it's your common sense. Book learning only gets you in the door. Learning how to communicate effectively, sell effectively, negotiate effectively and conduct business effectively keeps you employed. Those come with experience.
Please don't tell me that this is your first job. Even if you've been in college for four years, you should have at least held a part time job wherein you could polish some of these skills.
You are NOT entitled to a job, even with your degree. You are only entitled to use that degree to show PART of your competence. The rest is up to you.

JB of NY 11:47AM September 17, 2008