Since he was a child, Coriel Brown wanted to become a police officer.
But on the eve of his graduation, the Academy of Richmond County senior is struggling to find any job, much less one in law enforcement.
With the economy in recession, the usual excitement and anticipation of graduation is more subdued among high school students.
Mr. Brown, 18, continues to keep his head up and pound the pavement, but without any luck.
"They say people are hiring, but then you go and they say they're not taking applications," he said. "It is hard out there."
He tried applying for a job at a car dealership but was told they just had layoffs. He has also applied, so far unsuccessfully, at stores in the mall, a grocery store and Wal-Mart.
Everyone was hopeful that problems would go away with the election of President Obama, but it's going to take time, Mr. Brown said.
Growing up around police officers, he still wants to become one. A high school diploma with a technical education seal, though, won't open the doors he needs to become an officer. He is hoping to find a job in the meantime so he can further his education and move into law enforcement.
"I have a lot of people behind me backing me," Mr. Brown said.
Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.
A STEP AHEAD
Members of the Class of 2009 are getting much more than a paper diploma when they graduate this spring.
They are also getting an advantage in a tough job market, said employment marketing representative Manfred Edelmann of the Augusta Career Center, which is operated by the Georgia Department of Labor.
"The students coming out of the Class of 2009 are coming out at a very exciting time because there are a lot of opportunities available to them," Mr. Edelmann said.
Those opportunities likely wouldn't be available without a high school diploma, he said. When an employer considers a job candidate with a diploma and one without, the job will go to the graduate.
Few students know what the career center is and what services it provides, he said. Students can get help there with resumes and job interviews, in addition to other assistance.
"We're a wonderful stepping stone to getting things started," Mr. Edelmann said about the center, which is located at 601 Greene St.
Mr. Edelmann offered some advice and ways graduates can distinguish themselves during their job search.
"Networking is always the best way to get a position," he said.
Students should network at every chance, including with school sponsors, organizations their parents are involved in and churches, he said.
Mr. Edelmann said the graduates who will fare the best in this economy are the ones who are prepared.
-- Greg Gelpi
Comments
"Everyone was hopeful that problems would go away with the election of President Obama, but it's going to take time, Mr. Brown said."....Mr. Brown please explain this statement to me..just what did you think barry was going to do?......plan for college and if not that then Tech,,learn a trade it will serve you much better than waiting on some empty suit in Washington....Good Luck !!!
It is as hard as you make it and don't tell me that you can't find a job in law enforcement. They are definitely out there. Many agencies are requiring college degrees now. First step is to lose the facial hair. Law enforcement administration does not like it and it will keep you from being hired regardless of the employment laws. Next step is to pay your own way through the law enforcement academy. You can do it yourself. Go to the Peace Officers Standards and Training website or Ga. Public Safety Training Center website for information. I believe you can actually use the HOPE Scholarship for it. If you are certified you will be hired. Just straight forward advise from the experienced. Do this and come back here and tell me that you are a law enforcement officer, because you will be.
Soldiers are enlisting and getting $30K bonus lump sum for 4 year enlistments. That includes making $30-50K during your first 10 years. $50K for college, transferable to your spouse, while you get free education yourself. Sounds pretty good to me...oh, wait, I've been taking advantage of it for over 12 years! Also, try applying for jobs outside of the CSRA and be willing to relocate. He's full of it also, because I know young people with 2 jobs. Heck, even dominoes is hiring right now. I like how they said they thought Obama was going to fix it. LOL I told you so.
I'm interested in how unemployment can buy all of that jewelry and name brand clothing.
Coriel, get a job. No, it won't be what you want to do, but that's part of the deal. No one starts at the top. Check out what education requirements being a law officer entails, and do it. It's called paying your dues, which all successful people must do. Good luck!
Coriel, contrary to popular belief I know that you have a plan that you will stick to and you are right, it will take time. Continue to do your odd jobs to pay for what you need, enlist in the military and go to college as you have chosen to do. Come back and tell your story & continue to support your president. It is hard to fix what was already broken. Congratulations again class of 2009!
You will be surprised at the gifts a high school senior can get & if you could spend less time criticizing the rubber bands on his wrist really come at a good price and the silver necklace is super expensive.
Let's support the young man in his future endeavors. "Andywarhol", in reading your comments from previous articles, you seem to have a thing for making negative comments. It is my prayer that you would find something kind to say or not speak at all. Many of your comments are centered around making sarcastic comments about President Obama. God didn't create the world overnight and President Obama is certainly not going to change the U.S. in his first 6 months as president. You might not have voted for him but he is our president so get over it! I do think our president would applaud this young man for his efforts and for graduating from high school! (Check the graduation rate for black males) By the way, did you ever think that the jewelry and clothes could have been bought by someone else. I hate to see what you would have written if he was all "thugged out" and "tattied up".
actually, @Interested Reader and Andywarhol, he got all of that jewelry from robbing his neighbors. Just FYI.
Coriel Brown said, “Everyone was hopeful that problems would go away with the election of President Obama, but it's going to take time.”
Actually, the election of President Obama was when our problems began.
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