Is there more pressure to find jobs for the younger generation?

As we are fewer than two weeks away from Election Day, the candidates are still stumping for votes. Young Americans voted in their largest numbers ever back in 2008. But, will they beat those numbers this November?

For most college students across the nation, the biggest thing will be looking for a job and paying off those college loans. But, with recent unemployment numbers, the question is, are they at a disadvantage?

According to labor statistics, the unemployment rate for 18 to 24 year-olds is twice that of the rate for 25 to 54-year-olds.

"You have all these loans and the biggest thing is just finding that first job and getting your foot in the door, so you can build your future," said Richard Smith, a junior at Utica College.

Smith says finding a job will be crucial. Which is why this Presidential Election, he says he wants a President who can help the younger generation with opportunities of employment.

Many may think the unemployment rate for younger people is higher because they are inexperienced. Arthur Friedberg, an economics professor at MVCC says that is true. But, he says there may be more to that number.

"I think some students need to do research to recognize what some of the careers and programs that have the greatest opportunity for growth in terms of future jobs," said Friedberg.

Professor Friedberg says not all programs and majors provide equal chances of being successful or finding a job. He says a nursing major will have an easier time finding a job now compared to a sociology major looking for work, which is why many Americans may be underemployed.

"People with degrees who prepared for certain careers find that those careers are less favorable hiring, so they end up taking anything to make ends meet," said Friedberg.

Professor Friedberg says unemployment numbers do not always reflect how the economy is doing.