Much is written about the increase in job seekers laid off by companies of late, but what about recent college grads entering the market for the first time?  How are they faring in the recession and can those of us a few years past the cap and gown ceremony  (ok, a boatload of years) learn from the experience of young professionals?

 The picture isn’t much rosier for the newly graduated: The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported  20% fewer offers year over year for 2009 graduates with bachelor’s degree and a drop in starting salaries.   Local career coach Susan Kennedy of Career Treking who spoke to Gail Smith on local cable TV show Get That Job!, said only 19.7% of college graduates have a job today compared with 51% two years ago.

 Chart a career path: Despite the stats, Susan says graduates should not abandon the dream job goal. She recommends an A-B-C approach where A is the dream job you aspire to and B and C are stepping stones to get there. The example Susan cited was this:

• A “Dream Job” goal:  Dave wants to work in Brand Management at Under Armour, the performance sports apparel and footwear company
• B goal: Dave seeks a marketing position in comparable companies such as Reebok, Saucony or New Balance,  potentially in a temporary or an internship role.
• C goal: Dave starts by working part time at a high-end health club today in a marketing role to close the gap in his experience  (e.g. events planning) and takes a class to expand his skill set (e.g. graphics design).

» Read more: Can We Learn Anything From Recent College Grads?