Tampa college grads hit the streets; panhandle for jobs

Some would argue a college degree isn’t what it used to be when it comes to getting a job in our tough economy, so one man in Florida literally hit the ground running until he panhandled his way to a new job.

Damien Romero, a  recent graduate of the University of South Florida, was spotted by TV station WFTS—suit and tie on—handing out his resume to drivers along the streets of Tampa. The man says he got fed up after not getting callbacks through online job applications he sent out.

SEE ALSO: College graduates are slaves to student loan debt

It looks like the tactic worked: Romero was just hired at a law firm three weeks after panhandling on the side of the road in June.

“I just graduated with a degree in Finance at USF,” he was recorded on camera as he handed out resumes to drivers through open car windows.

“You have to be proactive, because it’s not going to come to you,” he said.

Romero’s new boss at Pawlowski/Mastrilli Law Group in Ybor City told the station she hired him because he set himself apart by handing out resumes on the side of the road.

His buddy, Jarod Fluck, hasn’t been so lucky; he also panhandled for a job on Tampa’s Kennedy Blvd. under the sweltering Florida sun.

If you would like to help Jarod Fluck get a job, you can contact him at: JRFluck@email.com

As for Romero, he’s already on the job.

“I’m working on a special projects; I mean I did sign a non-disclosure agreement, so I can’t go into depth,” said Romero.

SEE ALSO: Almost 40% of college graduates are unemployed, lack skills