re: How many positions did you apply for before being hired on?

Pretty similar story here. I was slated to graduate in May 2010 with a Master's of Science in Engineering from LSU. I started applying around October or November of 2009. I probably applied to around 50 positions. Ended up with two interviews and two offers. One was with the State of Louisiana and one with the company I'm working for now. I really, really lucked out with my current position. Timing was just right. I accepted the position at the end of February 2010 and started work May 2010, immediately after I was finished with my thesis defense and all graduate school requirements, with no lull in employment.