Knoxville (WVLT) - These students leave college with a tough challenge - finding a job in spite of the weakened economy.

As Volunteer TV's Stephen McLamb learned it's a challenge many graduates have already conquered.

With a diploma in hand, now it's time to get a job.

"Yeah, the economy is down you know, so what can you do?" graduate Kelly Caviness said.

So can these new graduates find a job? Some said they don't have one yet, but they're looking.

"I'm leaving tomorrow morning at 8 am and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, I have five interviews," graduate Christopher Kozel said.

"I have a few job interviews in Nashville next week. One is with a pharmaceutical company," Caviness said.

But some of these grads are finding out jobs can also depend on what field you're looking if there's a job waiting on you.

"I'm really nervous. I mean, the field of journalism is kinda taught. It's challenging. It's competitive," graduate Jerica Maclin said.

Engineers see things differently.

"I was able to choose between a couple different offers, actually, so I was able to pick and choose so I think I found the one I like," graduate John Black said.

"I had more job opportunities than I expected. There's quite a few opportunities out there if you'll just look," graduate Tye Ponder said.

Other graduates are finding jobs...just not exactly what they went to school for.

"Tomorrow, I'm moving to Atlanta. I've just accepted a public relations position in Atlanta so no broadcasting for me," graduate Chelsea Cloude said.

But not everyone who is getting a diploma is getting a job.

"I've seen that a lot of my friends are having problems finding employment but I tell them to keep tweaking the resume, keep smiling, and something will come along for them," Cloude said.

And if not......there's always, Hi mom and dad!

"I can always go back to work at a restaurant for a little while, that's not a big deal and I'm going to go live with my parents for a little while," Caviness said.

Many of the students who are getting interviews and jobs say one of their best resources has been going through the university and attending the job fairs.