Class of 2020 graduates face job uncertainty amid pandemic

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ATLANTA — Class of 2020 graduates are trying to launch careers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Channel 2′s Wendy Corona talked to a soon-to-be graduate about her fears and a career coach who said some off this will actually help new graduates in the future.

Rachel Bellet talked to Corona from her home in Cumming. In two weeks, she'll graduate from Southern New Hampshire University.

Bellet said she's worried because right now, unemployment is soaring and the world is at a virtual standstill.

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"I’m really worried that it’s going to be really hard for someone just out of college to even get into an entry level position," Bellet said.

Corona also talked to Fran Berrick, a career coach who said she is optimistic these graduates are well-equipped for the time.

"They are digital natives. They are used to working remotely, and for the time being, I think that’s a tremendous asset for them," Berrick said.

Berrick said the key is to determine if new graduates can find a "survival job" to get by or narrow in on their target job roles.

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Bellet will graduate with a social media marketing degree, which Berrick believes will serve her well.

"Those are absolutely marketable skills right now," Berrick said.

Bellet said she is hopeful and using university resources and taking this time to network.

"We know how to work the computer, we know how to work social media," Bellet said.

Berrick said it's also good for new graduates to remember that this will eventually be over.

"That's why perspective is important to have," Berrick said.

Berrick said one good thing to come out of this is a lot more organic crowd-sourcing of jobs online popping up -- people wanting to connect and help each other.

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