Barack Obama’s top priority will be the economy. It is the issue that keeps many Americans up at night and gives nightmares to college students on the verge of graduation with record amounts of debt.

College students looking at the entry level job market are already suffering from the downturn in the economy, with fewer companies interviewing on campus, fewer open positions at companies, and layoffs that disproportionately affect those with the least amount of experience.

President-Elect Obama has talked about a number of steps he will take that should create growth in the number of entry level opportunities. His $150 billion commitment to driving a new clean energy economy is projected to create 5 million new jobs over the next 10 years. Investment in our national transportation infrastructure will also drive new entry level opportunities for engineers, project managers, and other skilled and unskilled positions. If there is one sector that is growing right now, it’s the federal government. Whether your interests lie in finance, energy, law, social services, transportation of elsewhere, the role of government has expanded dramatically over the last 8 years, creating new jobs for people at all career stages.

The harsh reality, however, is that the entry level job environment will remain challenging, certainly for 2009 graduates and possibly 2010 grads. College students looking for entry-level positions must be resourceful. Here are some important job search tips for a tough economy:
• Think global. Despite what is happening in the U.S. economy, there will continue to be growth abroad. If you do not have a global perspective, which includes language skills and an understanding of how to do business in different cultures, you will limit your opportunities
• Consider the opportunities in which you will learn the most and develop transferable skills. Now is the time to plan for your future. Employers are increasingly looking for people that can hit the ground running. In this economy, don’t take the best sounding job, take the job where you will have the most responsibility and develop skills
• Reach out to alumni in areas of interest to you. They can be sources for job leads and industry insight that makes you look smart in an interview
• Don’t be picky. Cast a wide net. In a down market you want to focus on getting experience. Once you’re in the door, it will be much easier to move around
• Get a mentor or two. Engage people you know and trust to help you in your job search and interview prep.