Just 55% of journalism and communications students in the US are finding work in the first year after graduation, according to a new study from the the James M. Cox Jr. Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research at the University of Georgia.

With just over half of the 2,700 polled students finding work, the 2009 survey produced the worst results since the institute began surveying graduates 24 years ago and marks a significant decline from 2007 when 70% of respondents found work within the first year.

According to the results, the number of graduates in work who took their job because it was the only one on offer has increased to 44%. The survey also suggests that the annual median wage has remained at the same level since 2006 and new employees are entitled to less benefits that in previous years.

Undergraduate journalism students polled suggested that the key to finding a job is to diversify as much as possible, with 42.5% saying they wish they had acquired more skills while studying.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).