Let's remember the young

Chief Executive, The, April, 2004 by Jim Bologeorges

I'm fortunate enough to have had ample training in manufacturing. Whether it was learning about procurement and supply-chain strategies from China while at CVS or maintaining strategic partnerships in Asia and Europe while serving as CFO and CEO of a small domestic manufacturer, I learned one thing: change is forever.

Although I found Joe Queenan's column ("Go West, Young Children," Flip Side, March 2004) interesting, not all 22-year-old college graduates are ready to go off to Boise. It is almost impossible today for a new college grad to start a life. Many return home, face steep college loans, work two jobs and have to accept a low-paying position to begin their careers. Yes, times have changed, and I am not about to signal doom and gloom. But I would love to hear from other readers about how they think the next generation is going to correct for the ills they've inherited.

If all the hands-on jobs are outsourced, how is today's college graduate to learn the skills he or she needs? I fear that many will become mere corporate "robots" working as much out of fear of being "outsourced" as out of passion or hope for the future.

Jim Bologeorges

President STI Group Libertyville, III.