Navigating the Storm: Gen Z's Uphill Battle in Today's Job Market

The Class of 2025 Faces a Tough Job Market

The Class of 2025 is stepping into a job market that's far from welcoming. With intern hiring expected to fall by 3.1% this school year compared to last, the outlook is grim for new graduates.

Why It Matters

New grads are entering the workforce with pessimism, as the economy shows signs of slowing down. Historical data reveals that those who start their careers during economic downturns often face long-term struggles, affecting their earnings, health, and personal lives.

• Emma Crump, a sociology senior at UC Santa Barbara, shares her anxiety: "I've loved my college years, but the lack of security is daunting." Despite applying diligently, rejections are all she's received.
• Sohan Bhakta, a computer science student, applied to over 600 jobs with little success, a stark contrast to the guaranteed gigs he expected.

The Bigger Picture

Lindsey Zuloaga of HireVue notes a shift in the job market: "Economic uncertainty has reduced job mobility, tightening opportunities for newcomers."

• Sabrina Valencia pivoted from full-time roles to internships after 70 unsuccessful applications, highlighting the challenges of securing entry-level positions.
• A Handshake report shows that the Class of 2025 has submitted 21% more applications than their predecessors, reflecting heightened anxiety and competition.

Long-Term Impacts

Graduating during a recession can lead to lower earnings, higher disability rates, and even early mortality, according to studies from the National Bureau of Economic Research and Stanford.

What's Next?

With intern hiring on the decline and job anxiety at a decade high, graduates are exploring alternative paths, such as additional certifications or pivoting to fields like data engineering and AI.

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios