The retail systems issue is complicated by the fact that technology is not standardized, which makes employing security very difficult and costly. The time is coming when companies will have to make the choice between paying for security by implementing strong controls, or paying more for it later when breaches are published.

For investors, I strongly recommend reading the detailed financial statements for any parts relating to security costs and company controls.

Roland, I think you are right. The new graduates are struggling in this economy because they face a lot of experienced talent in the market. A certain subset of these experienced workers are former retirees who either wanted to go back to work or needed to to support their retirement plans. Nothing wrong with that, but it does put pressure where jobs have not grown substantially since the financial crisis. It is not an easy situation for young people to deal with. I would recommend that people get back to being entrepreneurs and creating value and opportunity. We need more of them to drive job creation, which has traditionally occurred more in the small business sector than the large. And that experience can often be parlayed into job opportunities at firms looking for the leader mindset. While I work full time for a large company, I have never given up my real estate business after 15 years because 1) it keeps me thinking creatively on how to solve problems in my workplace and 2) it gives me another avenue to use my skills to create value (and create jobs for others as well). I I think this is a market where you are going to have to create your own value to get work, and getting a BS or BA is just step 1 in a longer list.

Good article. I would point out that a college degree is worth that you put into it. If you focus your degree on your target profession, it can elevate you above other candidates and put you in position for better job opportunities. I am having this effect now where after finishing a Masters in a specific discipline is generating interest for many new opportunities. If you are young and lack experience to go with the degree, then this strategy may not be as effective for you until you build up a few years of experience to put side by side.

Also, starting a business can be a career boost. Smarter companies (not all) see entrepreneurship as leadership and the ability to think outside of boxes while creating opportunity. If your business is successful, your leadership skills will be easily noticed at your new employer and your opportunities will open up in different directions. As a business owner, I can attest this has been the case for me.