LAS VEGAS - They are fresh out of college with brand new degrees in hand. The College of Southern Nevada Class of 2011 earned this accomplishment through dedication and hard work.
"We're glad it's over," said CSN graduate Karen Neilson.
Some won't have much time to celebrate their commencement.
"I actually move tomorrow to Florida, so I'm going to continue on to school," said CSN graduate Melissa Ochoa.
Many graduates are confident they will be able to ride out the economic storm. Nellie Aguirre doesn't expect trouble finding work in the field of occupational therapy.
"I think it's a great profession to go into. The demand is highly needed," she said.
A few feet away, the outlook is murkier for commercial photography graduate Wayne Minert. "The economy and all, and also Vegas is kind of saturated with photographers," he said. "So, it can be very difficult to find a photography job."
Two veterinary technician graduates marched in their caps and gowns with a message: Have your pets spayed or neutered.
"I'm just really excited," veterinarian technician graduate Danielle Schilling said. "We picked a profession that really is in demand, and not everyone can do it. It takes a special person."
Future nurse Hillary Hopkins hopes the lackluster labor market improves.
"For new graduates, it's a little bit tough," she said. "It's pretty competitive for new graduates. Usually, they want somebody with experience, but it's like a Catch 22, because how am I supposed to get experience if they won't hire me?"
For those who already have jobs, the new sheepskin gives them an edge at work.
"Hopefully, it will boost me up a little bit," said information technology graduate Dennis Schuessler. "You hear me boss?"
CSN officials say college graduates earn 35 percent more money during a lifetime than those who only have a high school diploma.
The youngest CSN graduate to walk across the stage was 17 years old. The oldest graduate was 79 years old.
