Job Market Crisis for College Students

By Jacob Chen

After college, people begin to build their careers by seeking employment related to their degree. In recent years, the job market has become more competitive, which makes finding that dream job all the more difficult. Why has this happened, and what can we do to change this? 

An Artificial Job Market

With AI on the rise, jobs that usually require a worker can now be replaced with artificial intelligence. In 2025 alone, 2 million jobs were displaced by AI. These jobs include, but aren’t limited to: data entry clerks, customer service representatives, telemarketers, graphic artists, photographers, writers, cashiers, artists, and the list goes on! What preventative measures can we take? Safeguards are needed to protect job losses, which usually means a change in certain laws. Stricter labor laws and regulations could further prevent individuals from losing jobs they already have to AI replacements. To make these changes, it is imperative that we contact our local representatives to let it be known. These changes can also be made for individual jobs through union representation, and ensuring that the union you are a part of fights for protections against AI. 

Experience Creeping

In recent years, the ability to find an entry level position in the job market has decreased substantially. Positions that are usually to qualified newcomers to gain experience out of college are becoming fewer and fewer. This is due to a highly competitive market, which allows companies to be “pickier” and bump up the requirements significantly. What was once an entry level position may now require 2-4 years of experience. What can we do to lower competitiveness? Creating more job opportunities in this market is imperative to lowering the level of competition. 

Cameron L. – Cornell Graduate – Age 21 – “Finding a job is impossible. I’ve applied for a myriad of positions, ALL entry level, mind you, and A) either haven’t heard back, or B) been rejected. I’ve done my time doing internships (Boeing, for Engineering), I’ve made plenty of connections on Linkedin, and here I am working minimum wage.” 

“Just finding an entry level job is difficult in the first place. Most of the jobs on Indeed for engineering require multiple years of experience, but how am I supposed to get that experience when there aren’t any entry level jobs?”

Retiring Later 

The cost of living in the United States is on the rise which means the average age of retirement is increasing as well. Within the last three decades, the average age of retirement has risen by approximately three years. With people staying in positions for longer periods of time, there is less of a need for replacing those positions. In 2022, the legal retirement age officially changed from 65 to 67 years old and was fully phased in by 2026. The mix of a more competitive market and people retiring at an older age makes the job market far less accessible to those who have just graduated and are seeking employment. 

Expectations

As the job market continues to be more selective, it is imperative that you build a strong resume, find the connections that will help you seek employment, and take internship opportunities seriously. With the rise of AI and growing competitiveness in the market, it is important to stand out. Making a change IS possible, contact local government officials, talk to your union representatives, let them know your concerns.