Graduating seniors face uncertain job market as layoffs, AI reshape entry-level hiring
As college seniors prepare to accept their diplomas as the semester comes to a close, many are walking the stage with uncertainty as they face a chaotic job market. An online poll of viewers found that, so far, a majority reported they or someone they know is having trouble finding a job after graduation. With layoffs, concerns about artificial intelligence, and the challenge of finding entry-level positions, younger applicants are feeling stress as they try to enter a changing workforce. Still, career counselors say the outlook is not universally bleak and that flexibility can help graduates connect with employers. Siena University and the University at Albany both hold graduation on May 17, with many students planning to either further their education or enter the workforce. Some students say their searches have gone smoothly. Alyce VanHeep, a psychology graduate, said, “I did find it easily, honestly.” She added, “I think it’s all about putting yourself out there.” VanHeep also said, “For me personally, I thought it went pretty smoothly,” and, “I already started my job right out of graduation, so I was blessed for that.” Others are still struggling to land full-time work. One student said, “I have a part-time job coming up, but nothing, like, I’ve been applying to everything and nothing.” Brianna Boyce, who studied criminal justice and psychology, said she has only been able to find a part-time job outside of her field. “I’ve been applying since the beginning of this semester, this spring semester, and I’ve gotten one job, but that was through a friend,” Boyce said. Asked how much she has heard back from employers, she replied: “Zero.” Boyce said she has tried multiple approaches to applying. “I’ve put out applications on Indeed, I’ve gone into places and put and gave them my resume,” she said. “I’ve gone on their websites, called them, I called the store and was like, hey, I applied, I was just letting you know in case you guys didn’t get it, and they were like, we’ll look into it, and then nothing.” Kristen Luhr, director of Siena’s MacDonnell Career and Internship Center, said the job market is holding steady. “It is stable, I would say,” Luhr said. “There’s lots of different and conflicting information, so I guess it depends on what you want to hear or believe, but overall, students are still finding positions.” Both UAlbany and Siena University report nearly 90% job and higher education placement rates. Noah Simon, director of career and professional development at UAlbany, said graduates should broaden their search and consider the range of roles within industries. “I say healthcare, everyone jumps immediately to, oh, nursing, doctors, the clinical, well, you need the whole IT side,” Simon said. “You need the whole finance. You need all the functions that go into that industry and they’re recruiting across that board.” Luhr also urged students to be cautious about relying too heavily on AI in application materials. “What we’re hearing from employers constantly is they can tell was AI generated, right?” Luhr said. “And they’re not impressed if they get a resume that’s only written by AI. They know them and those aren’t the candidates that they’re looking for.” She added that students should use available resources to ensure their resumes reflect who they are and do not sound like “every other AI generated candidate.” With AI now part of the hiring landscape, career counselors said graduates are finding the most success when they reach out to employers personally.
Source: WRGB