A graduation requirement: Humility 101

The Boston Globe reports:

As many graduating students go about the tough tasks of looking and hoping for a job, their parents are left with the tough tasks of worrying and waiting. A little show of pride - a little bragging, even - is a time-honored parental perk. But today, rather than chirping proudly, many parents are comparing notes in a "misery loves company" kind of way.

Employers say they will hire 22 percent fewer graduates from the class of 2009 than they hired from the class of 2008, according to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. As well, the number of internship offers is down 21 percent. Such positions are often feeders for full-time jobs.