Issues arising for upcoming graduates

LEXIE THAYER
STAFF WRITER

9/30/2024

In May 2024, more than half of new graduates claimed that they were worried about life after college. Unfortunately, it seems that the class of 2025 will follow a similar trend. 

It’s undeniable that graduating comes with its fair share of obstacles and challenges. However, with the cost of living in America, worries have multiplied.

Research shows that this worry is justified. According to a recent study, 59% of America’s class of 2024 claimed that they were concerned about covering basic life expenses after graduating college.

“I worry the most about the financial aspects of life…I hope as many of us do to own a house, support a family, and live financially comfortably. I hope to continue to follow my professional passions, while also honoring my priorities.” said Toby Layson (‘25), a senior planning to pursue law school.

However, this is not the only issue that upcoming graduates are facing. Another common stressor found in graduates is the search for a career after college. And, it seems that the playing field may be against Gen Z graduates this year in America. 

According to recent surveys completed by staff at Intelligent, companies have already shown resistance to hiring Gen Z candidates. Four in ten managers surveyed said that they tend to avoid hiring recent graduates because they fear they are unprepared due to their schooling during COVID-19. 

In addition, 37.9% of Gen Z claim that they have experienced “ghosting,” a phenomenon that occurs when applicants never hear anything back from the company – whether that be acceptance or denial.

These statistics on top of pre-existing struggles for graduates make things beyond complicated for Alma College’s class of 2025. 

“I think what stresses me the most [about job searching] is when companies say that they are hiring but they are really not… You go through the whole process just to learn in a few weeks that they were never actually hiring,” said Charlayne-Aye Olegario (‘25), a senior hoping to work at a natural park in the upcoming year.

Despite this disturbing news, there is still hope for upcoming graduates. Statistically, Gen Z is the most likely generation to quit a job if expectations are completely unmanageable.

Plus, 77% of Gen Z prioritize work-life balance, which leads to a healthier relationship with their work and career. 

If graduates around America in the upcoming year keep this trend, it is likely that companies will finally adapt their policies to coincide with mental health. 

“If I were to give any advice to upcoming graduates, I would tell them not to worry if they can’t find a job in their field immediately…Eventually, you will settle down into what you love to do whether it relies on your major or not!” said Corey Zeneberg (’24), Alma alumn with a major in New Media Studies who is currently working in the film industry.

Overall, there are countless challenges that come with graduation. From the economy to general mental health, graduates throughout America will have multiple obstacles to overcome within the foreseeable future.