For college students almost ready to start their careers, the job market might look glum.

“The biggest problems students have right now is that they know pretty much what they want to do but they don’t know how to get it,” said Gary Scott, director of Career Planning and Placement.

There is a reduction in opportunities for college students because the economy is tight right now, he added.

The good news for college students is that the Chicago job market was not hit as hard as other big cities, said Scott.

He also said NIU grads have excellent reputations.

“I’m not a prophet of doom and gloom like some of the people in my field. While there are reduced opportunities, there are still some out there,” he said.

The hardest jobs for students to find right now are those in the performing arts and media.

“There is a lack of opportunity at the level students want to start at. The individual hasn’t realistically set his goals,” Scott said.

This hasn’t changed in the last couple of years, he added.

On the other hand, accounting majors and computer science majors are in demand.

There is a nationwide shortage right now and NIU is known for its excellent reputations in these fields, Scott said. The number of people going into these fields have also declined over the years, said Scott.

Scott also urges students to take advantage early in the fall of the opportunites that Career Planning and Placement offers.

“Lots of employers are coming to campus. It’s a great opportunity right in their backyard,” he said.