Once you graduate from Wheaton, depending on your parent’s health insurance provisions, you may be faced with the prospect of not having any health insurance coverage.  Now this blog is not meant to address Health Care Reform issues, however, it’s smart of think about the consequences of going without insurance (which can establish a pre-existing condition) or how to maintain health care coverage while looking for full time employment.

The Life 101 section of our website has resources specifically chosen to help you answer these types of post-graduation questions including:  Understanding Insurance; Getting Healthcare without a Job; Choosing a Bank; Tackling Taxes and How to Find an Apartment.

Check it out:  Life 101:  Equipping you for Life

As many of you know, I am a lawyer.  I’ve gone to law school, passed the bar and practiced for a few years.  What few of you know is that I graduated from law school during a recession and although I received an offer from a mid-sized firm in Chicago, my offer was rescinded one week prior to the bar exam due to economic conditions.  In other words, I know that it’s tough out there for lawyers.

The current economy makes my situation look positively rosy.  I’ve actually read that it is the toughest market for lawyers in over 50-years.  The Economist had an article (linked below), that had the impertinence to write: WHAT do you say to a recent law-school graduate? “A skinny double-shot latte to go, please.”

Am I trying to convince you NOT to go to law school?  Absolutely, not.  If God is calling you into the legal field, then go.  However, it won’t hurt you to take a year or two off to make sure this is what you want to do, and perhaps hope for better hiring conditions.

What I would hate to see is a person who goes to law school and spends $100,000 only to face unemployment after graduation.

The economic downturn has hit the legal market hard.  Read these articles and decide for yourself.

The Economist:  Laid-off Lawyers, Cast-off Consultants

The NY Times:  Unemployed and Struggling Lawyers seek Solace

Congratulations to all the 50+ Wheaton College students who went to CareerFest today and really did the College proud.

You were professional, prepared and showed your character.  More than one recruiter commented at how well Wheaton College students were prepared, and I was very proud of all of you (and I know that Billye and Deb feel the same).

In past Job Fairs, 50% of Wheaton College attendees were practically guaranteed at least an interview.  This year’s economy may throw those certainties into the wind…however, the experience and confidence gained by attending this event cannot be measured.

Good job, Wheaton.