When students started school, they often saw a clear path ahead: middle school, high school and then university. During college, uncertainty about what came next often weighed on juniors and seniors.
No formula dictated what students should do after graduation, but many faced similar challenges. Many struggled to find a job after earning a degree. Some secured connections and started working right after graduation, while others spent months searching for a place to build their skills.
Vladimir Peter, first-year computer science graduate student, said an oversaturated job market made it harder for recent graduates to get hired.
“Mainly because the job market is oversaturated, so the demand for inexperienced [recent graduates] workers is low,” Peter said. “So as a graduate, you find yourself competing with people who have years of experience in that field, either because they have been laid off or they want to change jobs for higher pay or better work-life balance.”
As technology changed, the job market shifted with it.
Ellen Kaminski, associate professor of business, said conditions looked different than they did a few years ago, which affected job searches for new graduates.
“A few years ago, COVID stimulus money was still flowing through the economy, which increased the flexibility of many employers with hiring and investing in new talent. As that money has dried up, so have the plethora of opportunities,” Kaminski said. “Additionally, technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence have decreased the need for some jobs,” she said. “However, even stable jobs endure periods of growth and change. Wherever students end up, the key to finding stability also involves their willingness to be flexible.”
Students also faced competition within their fields. When a market grew more competitive, students often found it harder to land a position. Many worked to keep developing as professionals to stay competitive.
Laura Smith, business administration graduate student, said job market competition pushed students to approach their skills differently.
“I think that the job market is needing students to be more creative in how they apply [their skills] because jobs now are very different compared to how they were in the past, especially with the rise of AI in so many sectors,” Smith said.
Kaminski encouraged students to prepare early.
“Students preparing to graduate need to build their network while they are in college. This includes going to job fairs, career center events, and attending their major’s clubs on campus if available. Building as much experience with internships while in college often provides the smoothest transition to a full-time position,” Kaminski said. “Students also should be confident in the person God created them to be. Remain focused on Him, pray for guidance, and stay true to how He made us, He will open doors. We just need to make sure we are doing the work needed to walk through them.”
As the market changed, graduating students continued to develop their skills and professional habits as they pursued their goals. Many said they met uncertainty by treating challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth.
