By Travis Gettys
Enquirer contributor

Another 1,100 potential workers entered the job market Saturday, as Northern Kentucky University students received their degrees at U.S. Bank Arena.

"It's the largest group we've ever had," said Kathy Stewart, NKU director of special events, who counted more than 800 students at the commencement.

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao told the graduating students that, despite what she called "confusing" newspaper headlines, the job market is as strong as it has been in decades, citing eight straight months of job creation.

"You should be very confident to be entering the 21st century work force," Chao said.

The United States has added 1.1 million jobs since August 2003, Chao said, and the nation's 5.6 percent unemployment rate is lower than France and Germany, where unemployment is 9 percent.

For new graduates, opportunities exist, particularly in health care, information technology, biotechnology, retail and construction industries, Chao told students.

"The beauty of the American economy is that it's constantly evolving," she said.

Not all students were quite so optimistic, however.

"I think the numbers are a little off," said Dylan Stevens of Fort Thomas, who graduated with a finance degree.

Stevens said he hopes to get a job as a long-term investment planner, but he has not seen many opportunities in that field.

"It seems like there are mostly sales positions," he said.

Claudia Henderson of California, Ky., said she is "hopeful" of finding a job, but she hasn't had much luck so far.

"I'm in the trenches, and I look every day, and there's not much out there," said Henderson, who earned a bachelor's degree in organizational studies. She hopes to get a job in government.

"I'm graduating with honors, and companies are saying, 'Oh great, congratulations,' but that's it," she said.

Many students, like Ryan Wharton of Hillsboro, have decided to delay entering the job market by enrolling in graduate school.

"By the time I get out, things will be OK," said Wharton, who earned a bachelor's degree in economics.

Laura Lane of Independence, who received a degree in psychology, said she recently turned down a job because the schedule conflicted with raising her two sons.

"I'm really not too concerned about finding a job," said Lane, who plans to enroll in law school or pursue a master's degree.

Vanetta Dumas of Cincinnati hopes to put her speech communication degree to work right away by traveling to Chicago to interview for a position as a salon services educator.

"I don't think I'll have a problem finding a job," she said.

Mohammed Abusharkh won't have to worry about the American job market when he returns to Hebron, in the Palestinian Authority.

"It's an Arabic thing to get a degree from the U.S.," said the master's graduate in public administration, adding that he is "grateful" for the opportunity to study here.

"I will use things I learned here in the U.S. and apply them there," Abusharkh said.

Most students and their families were overjoyed that they graduated.

"I'm still shocked right now," said Alana Dawson of Cincinnati, who graduated with a criminal justice degree and will pursue a master's degree at Xavier University. "It's been a long, hard road."

"I'm elated," said her mother, Yvonne Tims. "I am just so proud. NKU was very conducive to learning for her."