'A black hole': New graduates discover a dismal job market

Published: Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00 am

Recent Graduates Face Tough Job Market

A recent analysis reveals a challenging job market for recent graduates, with many struggling to find employment despite holding degrees in fields once considered highly desirable. Recent graduates are reporting a difficult job search, with some describing it as a "black hole." Many are spending months applying for jobs, submitting hundreds of applications, and receiving little to no response.

National economic data supports these experiences. The unemployment rate among recent graduates has risen to an average of 5.3% this year, significantly higher than the overall labor force average of around 4%. Economists attribute this trend to a slowdown in hiring across the economy, with employers adding jobs at the slowest pace since the start of the pandemic. Factors contributing to this trend include economic uncertainty, shifting trade policies, federal spending cuts, and the emergence of AI, which some companies are using to replace entry-level positions.

Several graduates shared their experiences. One graduate with a computer science degree, despite having internship experience, has received only one job offer after applying for over 100 jobs. Another graduate with a degree in power plant management is struggling to find work in a town impacted by job cuts. A graduate with a master's degree is working in an entry-level position unrelated to her field. Some graduates are finding jobs, but at lower salaries than expected or in fields they did not plan to work in.

While some graduates have found employment, even in high-demand fields like healthcare, many express concern about the overall job market and their financial prospects. Some are living with their parents, struggling with student loan debt, and facing rising living costs.

BNN's Perspective: The current job market presents significant challenges for recent graduates. While economic data may show overall stability, the reality for those entering the workforce is a competitive and uncertain landscape. Graduates should be prepared for a longer job search, and consider alternative career paths or further education to improve their prospects.

Keywords: job market, recent graduates, unemployment, hiring, economy, computer science, engineering, AI, student loans, employment, job search, economic uncertainty, entry-level jobs, salaries, internships, degrees, job applications, interviews.

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