Are there jobs for the class of 2008?

I graduated in 2008 with a degree in furniture and product design from Nottingham Trent University. I took out �12,000 in student loans.

I'm lucky that I spent a year getting experience working in the industry as part of my course. I worked in London and Milan for my sandwich course. So I do have relevant experience under my belt. Unfortunately, every job now requires a minimum of two years' experience.

Graduates are competing not only with last year's graduates but also with people who have lost their jobs recently and are seeking new employment in similar fields. These people have more experience than a graduate would have and are willing to take a pay cut in order to gain employment. On top of the 50% drop in graduate positions it isn't really a great time for people like myself.

Fresh talent should be snapped up and rinsed dry for new and exciting ideas. James Bowler

In this economic climate there are few positions and very few are paid. I loved my course and don't regret doing it. I don't blame the university either. Four years ago they didn't know the recession would hit and that jobs would dry up. I'm still passionate about being a furniture designer.

In the creative industry young, fresh talent should be snapped up and rinsed dry for new and exciting ideas. How are graduates meant to survive? I have been forced to work part time in a pub and find this quite demoralising as, let's face it, anyone regardless of qualifications can pull a pint. What were those four years and all that money essentially for?

My qualifications are in software engineering and I managed to start a job as a software engineer within six weeks of handing in my final paper.

The job market seemed quieter than usual but I didn't struggle to find jobs to apply for and still had plenty of agencies contacting me.

Talk of the economic downturn was at the back of my mind but I just got on with trying to get a job.

My advice is to do a degree which will help you get a job not a mickey mouse course which is worthless to everyone.

We've ended up in positions which require only GCSEs.

I have a degree in psychology and criminology from the university of Staffordshire and want to work within the criminal justice system or with the police eventually.

I've managed to get a job working in a similar field but it's in an area which didn't need a university degree. I could have just got in with GCSEs and saved time and money.

University has left me almost �12,000 in debt. It was still a good experience being a student. I'd never go back and not do it. I loved the lifestyle, being able to move away from home but without the responsibility of the big bad world. It was great meeting good people. I had a great time.

I feel confident I'll get the right job soon but I'll need further training and I hope my degree will then come in handy.

I've always been good with computers but chose to do a degree in classics at college. I didn't get the grades though and so went through clearing. I then got on to a computing course at the University of Leeds. I had to change my plans but it was much better in the long run.

The first job I applied for I really wanted and I got. I did the right course for the job I wanted. I feel lucky I got this job though, if I hadn't I think I would be in a job that made me miserable or maybe I'd still be trying to get a job.

The first job I applied for I really wanted and I got. I did the right course for the job I wanted. Richard Keys

I'm �13,000 in debt but it's worth it and I'm not worried about it. I really enjoy it and I like the people I work with.

I work as a junior web developer for a great little online marketing company in Halifax and, yes, I'm loving it thank you!