MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) A recent study by the Center of College Affordability and Productivity recently stated 37 percent employed college graduates do not need their degree to perform their jobs.
The study also revealed nearly half of all U.S. college graduates have jobs that require less than a high school diploma.
Charlie Trufant, 25, understands the struggle for employment. Trufant graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Communications two years ago. He said his plan was to work in Public Relations. Currently, Trufant works at Pickle Fish Pizza until he can figure out his next step.
"Then reality bites you in the end for sure. At the moment, there's nothing going on here. Mobile is not the only town like that. There's a lot of places around that's just you know, they're not going to be able to find what they want to do," said Trufant.
In fact, thousands of recent graduates have not been able to find their dream job and are under employed according to a recent study.
Trufant said, "It's like if you can't use your degree and make some money, then you're kind of stuck in this student loan agreement."
For Trufant, paying student loans on a modest salary has been the most stressful part.
Trufant said, "You gotta pay it off. So you gotta get a job. Well you can"t get a job using your degree, so you come to a place like Pickle Fish or any other place to just try and keep up. It's a pain."
Despite frustrations, Trufant said even though waiting tables is not his dream job, he is just grateful to be employed.
