The job hunt for this year’s college graduates feels impossible. With economic uncertainty, hiring freezes, and the growing dominance of AI, a diploma no longer guarantees a foot in the door.

A 2022 music industry graduate has spent the past two years applying for full-time roles while working part-time at a café. “A degree alone doesn’t cut it anymore,” they said. “Internships and connections have become essential to stand out.”

Outcomes vary widely depending on major and industry. Nikita Chepuri, a UC San Diego alumna, recently landed a product manager role at Microsoft, but it took over 300 applications. “In the tech industry, Product Manager roles are harder to get than engineering ones,” she said. “In this market, it’s tough for everyone, even for strong candidates. So don’t get discouraged by rejections.”

Ace Lo, who majored in Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies at a university in Wisconsin, graduated in 2023 and remains unemployed after 18 months of searching. “Back in 2021, companies were hiring like crazy. Now? Nothing. Most places don’t even reply,” he said. As a first-generation college student, Lo had little guidance navigating the job market. “The lack of feedback leaves many feeling lost and exhausted.”

For international students, the stakes are even higher. A Korean economics student at Cornell, Ryan Shin described how nearly all finance internships now require inside referrals. Even his computer science friend barely landed one internship at a major tech firm.

An international graduate from India, who asked to remain anonymous, completing his master’s in computer science this spring, said that fewer companies are offering H-1B visa sponsorships. “If we don’t get hired during the OPT period, we have to leave. It’s a ticking clock.”

Menghan Xu, a Chinese communications graduate from UC San Diego, has spent a year looking for work in the entertainment industry with no offers. “As an international student, networking is even harder. Cultural gaps and language differences really get in the way,” she said.

Despite the bleak outlook, many are finding ways to stay afloat, expanding job searches beyond major cities, applying to grad school, or freelancing while they wait for a breakthrough.

But one thing is clear: in 2025, graduating college is just the beginning of the struggle.

By Chase Karng