No job yet. I think I'll sue UT.

A woman in New York is suing Monroe College, because she cannot find a job. I can sympathize with the exasperation; My college employment ends this month, and the job hunt is not going well. However, the plaintiff, Trina Thompson, claims the college's career services gives preferential treatment to those with 4.0 GPAs. Thompson says that her GPA, coupled with good attendance, makes her a prime candidate. But my GPA is the same as hers, so I too deserve a job. Yes, it sucks when others have better GPAs than us, but at least I can admit that my 2.7 (which is Thompson's GPA as well), isn't exemplary.

Wait. The job market is still tanking, and a 2.7 is NOT a great GPA. I firmly believe that GPA is not always an indication of proficiency, but it's damn good predictor. Employers do, however, look at experience, achievement and skills. Thompson, decidedly, has pointed her finger at everyone but herself. Here is a list who she is blaming:

• The economy
• Career Services
• People with >2.7 GPAs
• The recruiters who didn't call her back

If Thompson feels her school's efforts are not enough, it's also possible to promote herself and seek out jobs herself. (How nice would it be to have UT's Communication Career Services calling employers on my behalf?) Instead, she's spending time filing frivolous lawsuits. With no lawyer, it is reasonable to say she will either represent herself, or a hippie with a law degree will take up the case. If she has to represent herself, that's more time she will be "investing" in suing her alma mater. Lawsuits are costly; they take time and drain money.

Not to say I'm a shining example, but at least I tell myself that the reason why I haven't found a job is because I haven't looked hard enough. We're having to fight tooth and nail for the same jobs.

I know a bit about wasting time and money as well. Instead of more applications, I'm blogging. I also have a test in Marketing tomorrow. I could be studying, or even doing laundry. I suppose if I was as enterprising as Thompson, I too would file a lawsuit. I'm sure the the University of Texas at Austin wouldn't mind refunding me my tuition. At the end of the day, I suppose I am just too lazy. I will, however, take some time and wish Ms. Thompson luck with her lawsuit.

Also, I'm really glad that's one less person I'm competing with.