Wiregrass Newsroom: Staying in school over getting a job - WSFA.com Montgomery Alabama news.

By Daniel Curtis - bio | email

Dothan, Ala. (WSFA) - The job search is proving tough for many across the country.

For some recent college graduates they're finding the best solution in the soft job market is to continue being students.

Jennifer Ritter is a recent college graduate and when it came time to find a job it wasn't easy.

"The hardest part was applying for jobs and not being able to get a job," says Ritter.

So instead of being unemployed she's returning to school to get her masters.  "I think I'm going to go back and get masters in special education," says Ritter.

Ritter isn't the only one thinking this way. 

Troy University Dothan Campus is seeing enrollment in their graduate school up 17% over the last year, up 30% over the last semester.

"People do tend to look at a bad economy, a soft job market as a time to perhaps invest in their future, invest in their education," explained Keith Seagle, Director of Counseling and Career Services at Troy's Dothan campus.

Seagle says that investment could pay off in the long run.

"People who have masters degrees are going to get better jobs, they're going to earn more money going to move up their careers faster," says Seagle.

An investment Ritter is hoping pays off as well.

"I know that it will put me at an advantage after I graduate," adds Ritter.

However, Seagle says before you enroll in graduate school make sure you have definite goals laid out for your career.