Energy trading collapse troubles up-and-coming grads

<br>(Stillwater-AP) -- Oklahoma State graduates who sought out the college for its finance degrees tailored for energy trading companies are now in heavy competition for jobs that were once plentiful.

Sunday, February 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Stillwater-AP) -- Oklahoma State graduates who sought out the college for its finance degrees tailored for energy trading companies are now in heavy competition for jobs that were once plentiful.

Following the collapse of several energy trading firm's, companies that had looked to graduates to fill key risk-management positions are now trying to hold on to their own assets.

Companies like Williams are selling assets and discussing partnerships in order to raise cash and pay down debt. Dynegy is now trading around its own assets instead of brokering gas and power deals.

Analysts say the field isn't dead, just in a decline right now. Experts say it could bounce back in the next few years.

But until then graduates of the university's business school may have to look elsewhere for a job.

Cathy LiLi came to the university from China hoping to cash in on America's need for financial risk mangers.

Now she's hoping she'll find a job in the next year so she can continue to work in the United States.