In an uncertain economy, soon-to-be-college grad Adam Wolfthal will bear an uncertain job identity, something betwixt an intern and an employee.
The Dowling College finance major is "still on the prowl" for a full-time job but has extended his current, paid internship with a Brightwaters financial consultant. He and his bosses have talked about what title to put on his business cards.
"I'm not going to call myself an intern anymore once I graduate," said the Bay Shore senior, 23. "It's hard not to want the respect of full-time employee versus intern."
It may seem anti-climactic, but as they enter the most dismal job market since 1983, some new graduates with no jobs yet are looking to internships to enhance their resumes, if not always their pocketbooks. As of April, 19.7 percent of 2009 grads who have looked for jobs have gotten them, according to a survey of 16,500 graduating seniors by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Two years ago, that number was 51 percent, the association says.
Meanwhile, employers surveyed said they expect to hire 21 percent fewer interns this year compared with last because of budget cuts, decreased workloads and downsizing.
Keesha Cameron, internship coordinator at Hofstra University's career center, said several seniors inquired this year about postgraduate internships - a question she said she had not encountered in her 11 years working with students.
Some understaffed employers can certainly benefit from the arrangement.
Toni Ann Riedel-Lehmann, associate director in the Melville office of the American Diabetes Association, said her six or seven unpaid interns this summer will help with outreach activities and the planning of a fundraising walk in October.
Their presence will be welcome, she said, because, "We can't hire and don't have the budget and are low on staff."
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