But Smith said she thinks she is lucky.
"Compared to a lot of people I know, it was easy," she said.
As graduation nears and the unstable economy continues to make jobs tight nationwide, University officials say patience, networking and flexibility are key to overcoming the shortage of jobs available for graduating seniors.
Although economic experts say the recession has come to an end, the economic downturn is still making jobs scarce, and certain fields -- such as investment banking, consulting and advertising -- have been hit particularly hard, said Marcia Harris, director of University Career Services.
Economists have predicted earlier this year that the economy will rebound 2.5 percent or 3 percent from a recession they say started in March 2001, although experts maintain that it is a slow recovery.
"It's definitely a tighter job market year," she said. "It's frustrating to students, particularly for those who have done all the right things."
Jay Eubank, director of career services in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, said seniors are having a hard time finding jobs because they are not only competing with other recent graduates but also against people who have gained experience in their fields.
"A recession means that there are fewer jobs out there and more competition for the jobs that are out there," he said.
Eubank said it is important for students to be flexible geographically and to know where to apply. The most important thing students can do is be patient and continue laying foundations that will help them secure a job, he said. "Finding a job is not about sending cover letters and r
