Think finding a job out of college is hard? Try doing it in a pandemic
Many recent college graduates are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to put their degrees to work. Steven Schwartz, a finance and computer science student at New York University, founded Varfaj Partners, which creates websites for startups to display their goods or services. The coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc on the college labor market, with unemployment reaching 14.7% in April.
“Employers prefer more experience to more degrees,” says Jason Eckert. Eckert says networking and perseverance are the keys to landing a job. “The key to a successful job hunt starts with networking through alumni or contacts made during internships,” he says.
After graduating from the University of Southern California, Abbey Fisk plans to pursue a professional degree in physical therapy, while Noah Howard wants to go straight to law school after graduation. Some went into unexpected fields, such as public interest law. Lauren Collette pursued her dream of working on a production team for a TV network or major studio just as the economy collapsed.
What percentage of college students get a job after they graduate?
It is a common misconception that if you have a college diploma, you will have a job; however, approximately 53% of college graduates are unemployed or working in jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree, and it takes the average college graduate three to six months to find work after graduation.
Why are so many college graduates unemployed?
The unemployment rate for college graduates has risen in some professions due to a loss of interest in others; however, despite the higher pay, jobs in business and finance are not making any top lists these days.
How can I increase my chances of getting a job after college?
5 Ways to Boost Your Chances of Landing a Job After Graduation
- Pick Your Major Strategically.
- Don’t Follow Your Passion.
- Emphasize Specialized Skills.
- Network Early and Often.
- Take an Internship.
How do I get a job right out of college?
The following pointers can assist recent graduates in increasing their chances of landing a job.
- U201cTap the hidden job market and make connections through social networking.
- Don’t wait.
- Do market research.
- Volunteer.
- Expand your search.
- Use a computer, not a phone.
- Create a personal website.
Does college guarantee a job?
A college education often equates to higher levels of job satisfaction and security; it’s not always what you studied that matters, but rather that you went to college and studied something at all; in many cases, just having a degree is enough to get your foot in the door.
How many college students get a job in their field?
However, after those jobs, the report begins to resemble the findings of a study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which found that only 27% of college graduates work in a field related to their major.
How many jobs do not require a college degree?
According to educational attainment, 35% of job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree, 30% will require some college or an associate’s degree, and 36% of job openings will not require education beyond high school.
What to do if you can’t find a job after college?
If you’re having trouble finding work after college, here are a few pointers to help you out:
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Gather references.
- Reduce your expenses.
- Adjust your expectations.
- Think about going back to school.
- Keep yourself busy.
- Consider relocating.
Why do graduates struggle to find jobs?
One of the most common reasons why graduate job seekers fail is a lack of focus, which can take two forms: a lack of focus in terms of job-search strategy and a lack of focus in what you say to employers in your written applications and face-to-face interactions.
Do jobs check your degree?
So, Do Employers Check Degrees? According to a 2004 study by the Society for Human Resource Management, only about 34% of employers check the educational qualifications listed on resumes, despite the fact that 25% of people inflate their educational achievements on resumes.
How can I increase my chances of getting a job?
How to Improve Your Job Search Prospects
- When writing your resume, be creative.
- Don’t forget the cover letter.
- Emphasize your strengths and accomplishments.
- Research the company.
- Apply for multiple jobs.
- Follow up.
- Sign up for LinkedIn.
What is a good salary right out of college?
According to a survey of 1,000 undergraduates, students expect to earn an average of $57,964 per year right out of college, while the average starting salary for the class of 2019 is $53,889, according to a recent report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
What is a good entry level salary?
What Is the Average Salary for an Entry-Level Position in Each State?
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $33,388 | $2,782 |
| New Hampshire | $33,159 | $2,763 |
| Delaware | $32,935 | $2,745 |
| California | $32,086 | $2,674 |
How long does it take to get a job on average?
More than a quarter (28%) of those surveyed expect it to take less than a month, whereas a recent Randstad study of 2,000 American workers found that the average successful job search takes five months.
Why are entry level jobs so hard to get?
There is one main reason why entry level jobs are so difficult to come by, and it has to do with an influx of applications. Many people apply for entry level jobs because they are technically qualified, which means hiring managers often receive dozens of applications for a single position.