“`html
Image Source: kyontra/Getty Images
- Concerns over layoffs, rising student debt, and the impact of AI have contributed to Gen Z’s anxiety.
- A recent Handshake survey reveals that over half of college seniors feel uncertain about entering the workforce.
- First-time job seekers express a desire for stability in their career paths.
The current landscape for entry-level jobs is daunting for recent graduates from Generation Z. With fewer opportunities available and ongoing layoffs affecting previously secure industries, many are apprehensive about launching their careers.
The competition for entry-level positions has intensified significantly as these roles increasingly demand prior experience. This trend has emerged alongside a surplus of seasoned professionals vying for the same jobs. Earlier this year, Aki Ito from Business Insider referred to this situation as a “white-collar recession.”
Hiba Rizvi, a senior at Loyola University Chicago set to graduate in May, is actively seeking software engineering positions. The 21-year-old shared with Business Insider that she frequently attends career fairs and updates her portfolio with new projects to enhance her visibility in the job market come springtime.
Initially focused on securing an internship with major tech firms last summer, Rizvi has since expanded her search after witnessing significant layoffs within the industry. “For quite some time now, everyone kept saying that conditions would improve,” she remarked. “But as graduation approaches, I’ve realized we need to adjust our expectations and devise our own strategies.”
A report released by Handshake in August indicates that more than half of college seniors graduating in 2025 harbor pessimistic views regarding their imminent transition into professional life. The survey conducted among 1,925 graduating students revealed that 57% anticipate immediate hurdles—an increase from last year’s figure of 49% who felt similarly challenged.
“While they maintain long-term optimism about their careers, they are understandably short-term pessimistic,” stated Christine Cruzvergara, Chief Education Officer at Handshake. “And honestly speaking, their concerns are largely warranted.”
This year’s job creation figures on Handshake have lagged behind those recorded in 2023—a trend consistent with national statistics—while applications per available position have surged among candidates vying for diminishing opportunities on the platform.
The class of 2024 submitted applications at rates exceeding those of previous years by approximately 64%, according to Cruzvergara’s analysis; early indicators suggest that the class of 2025 may surpass even these numbers soon enough.
A June report by The Washington Post highlighted troubling statistics: only 13% of entry-level job seekers successfully secured employment during the first half of 2024 based on an analysis conducted by Goldman Sachs using Commerce Department data.
Anxiety levels among Gen Z graduates continue to rise due to economic uncertainties coupled with escalating political tensions and mounting student loan obligations—all while grappling with fears surrounding artificial intelligence’s future implications on employment prospects. Stability emerges as a top priority when selecting potential jobs according to survey findings regarding the class of 2025.
However, finding stable employment can prove challenging for fresh graduates entering today’s workforce environment.
Sasha Friese graduated from the University of Washington in 2023 and estimated applying for over two hundred positions before finally securing her role as a lab technician based out San Diego.
The bioengineering major reflected upon three distinct categories she encountered during her search: high-paying technical roles requiring repetitive tasks; lower-paying lab positions aligned more closely with her interests; or freelance gigs lacking benefits but offering potential full-time opportunities down the line.
“I ultimately chose one within my area because I was desperate,” Friese admitted regarding accepting an offer at USD’s research lab despite its $40K salary limit.” “I applied when I was willing just about anything remotely related.” Sasha plans further education through graduate school believing it will broaden future career options once completed before re-entering into another round searching again afterwards!
Source
“`
