Where Have All the Entry-Level Positions Gone?

As a recent college graduate, I have been searching for an entry-level position using not one, but two degrees. I assumed, as most individuals do while in college, that finding a job would be easy, no big deal. Unfortunately, it is not easy, rather it can be somewhat difficult and entirely time consuming. Not only does it take a great deal of time researching open positions, locating Human Resources offices, writing cover letters and finally sending them off to print, but it takes a great deal of time to hear back from employers. It appears that the only entry-level jobs available either pay far below the expected rate for college graduates, or don't require a degree at all. It makes one wonder, is a college degree all that necessary in this day in age, or if it is necessary to acquire a masters degree in order to truly work within the field one desires.

I started a new job working with a small corporation recently. I was excited and determined to make the position work, despite the two hours a day I would spend in the car just for the commute. The position seemed perfect, the employer seemed wonderful, but I was led to believe that I would be utilizing my degrees and skills. Rather, I found out later that I would be expected to do a great deal of Spanish/English translation, a skill I do not posses. I can not speak a sentence of Spanish, and I was expected to build a career around a Spanish/English dictionary. This was never discussed during the interview process. I was very specific in terms of requesting information about the position. I asked for a basic break down of the job requirements, and specific daily tasks, as well as project details.

It turned out the the job was not a good fit, I was not prepared for the position in any capacity. This is not to say that I do not expect to be thrown into a positon with which I have to learn, and quickly. I do not expect for anyone to hold my hand, I expect to work hard and work long hours. However, I am having difficulty locating positions with which I can walk into feeling confident that I can justify spending all that money on tuition.