HONOLULU -- They've turned a corner and more than 600 Hawaii Pacific University students who graduated on Wednesday night would like to believe their degrees will help them get ahead, some mapped out a plan early.

Diana Gomez opted for the ROTC program to get her nursing degree and now won't have to worry about a job.

"I am actually a commissioned officer. So after I take my boards and pass it and I will, the first time then, I will start my four years of active duty," Gomez said.

One student from Malaysia earned a degree in communications at HPU. She is open to teach or work with non profits, a tight job market; she said is not too much of a worry.

"I'm concerned about it but I am not too worried. I think there is something out there for everyone I am trying to keep a positive about it," said Aisha Mossman, who recently finished her communications master's degree.

Foreign students leave knowing they are head of many in their home countries.

"When I go back to my home country, which is China, I want to get a good job and to get into my career," said Ying Xio, a graduate with a master's in business administration.

But locally, the economy is tight with some signs of a recovery. A job fair on Wednesday drew crowds and those doing the hiring said they are seeing lots of over qualified applicants.

"When we try to fill our manager position, we have CEOs applying to run a store. They have been running a district," said Debbey Baricuarto, with Sullivan Family Companies.

"There have been more people this time than last looking for part-time, looking to supplement their income and with the economy the way it is they have been looking for a second job," said Winter Meinteer, with master's in English.