Students about to graduate from the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College are concerned about what provincial and federal job cuts mean for their career prospects.

Rob Livingstone is going to take some time to travel after graduating instead of entering an uncertain job market. (Julia Cook/CBC)

Both levels of government have been saying many of the job cuts across the country will be accomplished through retirement. While that may be good news for those currently working in the public sector, it does little to encourage new graduates about their chances of getting a good start on their career this spring.

"There's a lot of talk in the media and in the public sphere, I guess, that there aren't as many jobs out there right now as there have been," said UPEI student union president Rob Livingstone.

"People might be a little nervous about that type of thing just embarking on that next chapter in their life."

Crystal Neary, who works at the Student Career Centre at Holland College, said job opportunities with the province or with Veterans Affairs Canada may not be there this year, and that can be disheartening for students.

"In their job searching efforts they would have to take a more well-rounded approach outside of federal and provincial opportunities to secure their entry level positions," said Neary.

While the coming year looks bad, Rob Livingstone hopes that as more baby boomers retire, jobs will start to open up.

"But how soon is that going to be and what's it going to be like when all those jobs really become freed up?" he wonders.

"Is it just going to be job heaven [or] are there other unforeseen circumstances that are going to come up and more jobs will be cut."

In the meantime, Livingstone said, many students are settling for lesser paying jobs or, like him, taking some time to travel.