The recession drove hundreds locally back to school because of layoffs or cutbacks. But what guarantee do they have that a better job awaits them in the end?
None, local college representatives say.

College enrollment has been booming since the economy began to dip – an average 6 percent increase from fall 2007 to fall 2008. Jobless people saw further education as a fallback in this recession. But what happens if this last-ditch effort isn’t enough?

“The biggest trends suggest that they really don’t have any other choice,” said Derek Redelman, Indiana Chamber of Commerce vice president for education and workforce development.

About 524,370 Hoosiers lack a high school diploma, according to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Many work in low-skill jobs that are progressively disappearing, more rapidly because of the economy. Without additional studies, Redelman says, those people may not have jobs when the recession lifts.

“A lot of those jobs (that) Hoosiers depend on are not coming back,” Redelman said, such as many factory jobs. “Those people who ask will extra schooling help them need to stop asking that. They’ve got no other choice.”

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development projects there will be an additional 222,410 high-wage, high-demand jobs in the state by 2014 requiring at least a college degree.

The jobs in the highest demand in this area are computer- or medical-related and require advanced schooling. But local colleges warn against pursuing a job just because it’s “hot” right now.

“If it were that easy, people would just come in here like an assembly line,” said Sheila Biggs, Ivy Tech Community College’s assistant director of career services. “If you don’t like the job, you won’t do well and you won’t be there long.”

Biggs said just be as prepared as you can be and hope for the best.


“There’s no guarantee education is the complete answer,” she said. “(But) every step that you make in having a little bit more than the other guy makes you more (marketable).”

A career counselor at IPFW said tips such as polishing your resume, sharpening interview skills and networking can increase your chances of finding a job. But be patient.

“The normal job search takes six months, but even more in this economy,” said Ashley McArdle, assistant director of career services at IPFW.

But beware as you head out again into the workforce. It may not look the same when you return.

“In Indiana’s case, when the recession goes away things have changed, and they have changed permanently,” Redelman said. “The longer it goes on, the more employers feel they have to change to survive. … I think the cards have been played.”

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See WANE Channel 15's report on how Ivy Tech is helping displaced workers get back on their feet at www.wane.com.