By Justin Jacobs
UWIRE Contributor

(UWire)--Interviewing for a bartending job in Philadelphia is not exactly what University of Pittsburgh 2009 graduate Alisha Ebling had in mind for her first post-graduation job. 

In fact, when the Dean's List-earning, former English major started her senior year at the University of Pittsburgh last fall, she thought she had everything figured out - a fairly easy course load, good grades and a post-graduation job lined up.

But like the best laid plans, Ebling's employment trajectory didn't go as expected.

The 22-year-old had interned that summer with Beholder Productions, a Pennsylvania-based film and new media company, and was told there'd be a job waiting for her once she completed her degree. But with economic downturn in full swing by the spring of this year, the offer was rescinded by e-mail in March.

"In December, [my bosses] called me back into their office and said ‘Look, we think you're a very talented writer and want you to work as an assistant producer," Ebling said. "They gave me information about salary, about insurance. I just had to review the paper and send it back, but I held on to it until closer to the start date. Thank God I hadn't gotten an apartment yet."

And Ebling isn't alone.  She is one of an alarming number of college graduates entering the job market with little to no prospects of finding work relevant to their field of study.

Employers expect to hire 22 percent fewer 2009 graduates than the number hired from the national 2008 graduating class.The most recent data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers' reports that employers expect to hire 22 percent fewer 2009 graduates than the number hired from the national 2008 graduating class. This year marks the first decline since hiring rates began steadily rising in 2004.

For graduates like Ebling who hope to survive the storm working jobs well below their skill set, the future isn't looking too bright either.

More than 46 percent of those polled, according to NACE, were uncertain about next season's round of hiring. An additional 17 percent planned a more drastic hiring cut next fall.

Beholder Productions, for one, believes it will be able to buck the trend and return to past hiring figures, said Emilia Andrews, the company's chief operating officer.

"It'll take six months to a year to refocus the company," said Andrews. The company even hopes to re-offer Ebling a job, said Andrews.

But the waiting game doesn't scare Ebling.

"I've been looking for jobs ever since [the offer was rescinded], but I refuse to take a job making sales calls," she said. "If it's not creative, I'm not taking it."

But not all graduates have the same proud outlook.

Jordan Stutz, a 2008 graduate of Bloomsburg University, like so many opting out of the harsh job market, will return to his alma mater for graduate school this fall. But it's not for lack of trying.

Stutz graduated with a degree in Mass Communications and solid grades. But as the economy began its nosedive last summer, the market for employment in the non-profit sector - Stutz' top choices were Jewish organizations Hillel and Jewish Community Centers - decreased as well.

With few prospects, Stutz moved back to his Allentown home and took residence in the basement.  

"I searched the papers everyday for a possible lead into a job, and I honestly found being a paper delivery boy might work," he said. "But even they didn't call me back."

Stutz' somewhat lucky break came when he was hired at a local bar as the doorman, and later as the head cook.

"Eight months later, I could finally begin paying bills," he said.  

Understandably unsatisfied that his degree hasn't helped him gain employment, Stutz decided to head back to school for a master's degree in Bloomsburg's Student Affairs and Higher Education program.

"If I had a career oriented job, I wouldn't need to go to grad school," he said. "It's just a way for me to stand out on future resumes."

Regardless if students are weathering the employment storm or heading back to school, sentiments seem high - despite poll results - that jobs will sprout again.

"It's unfortunate that we graduated when we did, but I'm not jaded nor depressed," said Ebling. "Things will get better."