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As the economy shrinks, the job market and forces a growing number of people to rethink their careers and their futures, heading to school has become more common for traditional and returning students. Florida Gulf Coast University saw an enrollment increase of 1,000 students from the fall 2008 to the fall 2009. Some college students might find themselves reconciling their pursuits to the “real world” rather than following their dreams. But Reid Lennertz, FGCU’s director of career development services, while emphasizing that students must work hard to find a job, also encourages them to seek fields that suit their strengths rather than letting the economy dictate their choices.

How has the economy changed what fields students are leaning toward?
We don’t always know why a student picks a particular field. We have seen enrollment in some of our academic programs growing, but they were growing even before the economy deteriorated. However, according to the advisors in our College of Health Professions, they have seen an increase in students who have expressed a desire for a career in the healthcare industry, because the students feel the employment prospects in that field look more promising.

In what fields and types of positions are people finding more jobs?
The Southwest Florida snowbird season gives a bump to our local economy. There may be additional opportunities that arise in, for example, the hospitality, retail and healthcare industries to help serve the influx of seasonal residents and visitors. However, when I suggest careers for students, my mind is on what students may want to do, not where jobs may be.