Why it is more important than ever to say, “I am Terry!”

Happy New Years to our Terry Family! I thought this would be a great time of year to highlight some of the resources your Terry College offers to keep you competitive in today’s business world. But first, I’d like to share some of the news the Terry College of Business Selig Center for Economic Growth projects for the 2010 Georgia job market.

2010 Economic Outlook Luncheon Highlight

2009 was a tough year for many. However, there is some good news for 2010, according to what was reported by Dean Robert Sumichrast at the Georgia Economic Outlook Luncheon, hosted by the Terry College of Business Office of Executive Programs, in Atlanta.

“The period of heavy job losses is over, although some job losses will persist into early 2010," Sumichrast said. "Georgia will end up losing about 370,000 jobs over the course of this recession. That's more than twice as many jobs as we lost in the previous recession and represents about 9 percent of total employment." Even though job growth in Georgia will finally turn positive next spring, it will be too weak to keep pace with the number of people entering the job market. "Georgia's unemployment rate will continue to rise, topping out at more than 11 percent in mid-2010," said Sumichrast, who contrasted the double-digit benchmark with the more bearable 4.6 percent jobless rates of 2006 and 2007.

If the hope for more job openings interests you, while the “pace” concerns you…keep reading to find out how to tap into your Terry network! And if this tidbit from the EOL is not enough for your inquiring mind, you can attend an Economic Luncheon when the tour comes to your area. Click here for upcoming dates or to register or read the rest of this blog for a chance to win the entire forecast, with charts, on CD!

Terry/UGA Resources for Your Career Development

Even with the expected growth, there is no doubt it is still tough to find a job or even keep the one you have these days. Fortunately, being a part of the Terry network provides you with resources:

• DAWGlink allows you to browse hundreds of positions specifically for UGA students and alumni all over the country.
• Terry Boot Camp is tailored for Terry students, but is also open to alumni who want to “practice their pitch” for job fairs and interviews.
• If you’ve been to the Terry Executive Education Center in Atlanta , then you can find Nicole Lechene, Director of Alumni Career Services, whose office is in the same building. Nicole can help you with a career assessment; career search strategy and action plan; resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and many other topics.
• Network with fellow alumni at one of the many upcoming Terry Alumni Events. In a tough job market it is not always WHAT you know, but WHO you know. There is no doubt Terry students receive an exceptional education. The rankings speak for themselves. However, the power behind being part of the Terry family as an alum is the instant network you receive of successful and connected Terry graduates. So get out there and start developing and strengthening relationships with fellow Terry alumni!
• · Terry Executive Programs offers business professionals value-added education with a high return on investment. In today's globally competitive market, being well-trained is essential to profitability and success.

Now, that’s quite a list of reasons to be proud to say, “I am Terry!”

We would love to know what tips you can offer those seeking employment or what obstacles you are facing in your job search. The first five alumni to leave a comment will receive a free copy of the 2010 Economic Outlook on CD. Right now these are only given to luncheon attendees and will only be sold after the tour is complete. Not only will you have a great wealth of information right on your computer, you will have plenty of *hot topics* to discuss at your next networking event!