For Gen Zers, Finding Work After College Is Often a Painful Slog
The Challenges Facing New Graduates in Today’s Job Market
Angel Escobedo, a 22-year-old college student at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, began his job search 18 months ago-well before completing his degree. With graduation just days away, Escobedo has applied for over 150 jobs but remains unemployed. His experience reflects the difficulties many young Americans face in entering the workforce amid a significant decline in job listings and increasing competition from more experienced candidates.
“Their ability to jump into the labor market is being compromised,” noted Elise Gould, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute. “While this is not a new issue, it has become a more pressing concern.”
Navigating a Changing Job Landscape
Despite having multiple internships and completing a management training program at Harvard Business School, Escobedo characterizes his job search as “very discouraging.” He is open to various employment opportunities but is struggling to get notstartd in a hiring landscape increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and self-recorded video interviews.
Gorick Ng, a career adviser at Harvard and a faculty member at UC Berkeley, mentistartd that the stakes are particularly high for Gen Z. Without early career opportunities, they risk falling behind professionally and financially. “As entry-level positions diminish, it becomes increasingly difficult for this generation to build a resume that includes recognizable brands and job titles,” Ng explained.
Hiring Slowdown and Economic Uncertainty
The current labor market poses several obstacles for young workers. The overall hiring rate has dropped to just over 3%, below the historical average, as companies remain hesitant due to uncertainty regarding the U.S. economy, government policy, and tariffs. The unemployment rate for 20- to 24-year-olds stands at 9.2%, significantly higher than the national average of 4.4%.
Even those successful in landing jobs may find limited opportunities for advancement, as more experienced workers are reluctant to leave their positions due to economic insecurity. This trend has made career progression increasingly challenging for younger employees, who often rely on job switching to gain responsibilities and better salaries.
The Struggles of Individual Applicants
Alan Gonzalez, a 23-year-old from Malden, Massachusetts, understands this struggle all too well. Graduating from UMass Boston in May, he currently works as a restaurant server while searching for a career in digital marketing. “Despite my extensive internship experience and relevant degree, securing an interview has proven to be incredibly difficult,” Gonzalez lamented.
In an effort to tap into his creativity, Gonzalez has launched HOJA Apparel, a clothing brand blending lifestyle and streetwear. He aims to enhance his social media presence while waiting for job opportunities in his field. “Experience is my top priority right now,” he stated.
Industry-Specific Challenges
Certain industries present unique challenges for Gen Z job seekers. Fields such as accounting, engineering, and technology typically have fewer openings for junior roles compared to senior positions. Cory Stahle, a senior economist at Indeed, noted that this trend restricts job access for younger workers, pushing them to compete increasingly with mid- and senior-level candidates.
As of October, only 2% of software development roles listed were for junior positions, while approximately 30% of postings aimed at senior applicants. This discrepancy highlights the mounting challenges faced by entry-level candidates.
Adapting to New Hiring Technologies
While technology has simplified the job application process, it has also raised the bar for job seekers. Employers are now leveraging AI tools, making it essential for candidates to distinguish themselves in a crowded field. Ng advises applicants to revert to essential networking strategies, emphasizing relationship-building and proactive engagement with potential employers.
Escobedo underscores this approach, stating, “Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to secure a full-time role for a college student.”
As the labor market continues to fluctuate, the path to employment for Gen Z remains fraught with challenges. However, resilience, strategic networking, and adaptability may offer young workers a way forward in a daunting landscape.