How university graduates can prepare for jobs after finishing their studies

If you’ve watched the TV show Friends, you remember this phrase when Monica Geller said this to Rachel Green at the end of the first episode. In the same way, we can explain what university graduates nowadays face after graduation.

We gathered some factors that are mentioned as the most often challenging for students to start their careers and secure good jobs, according to some sources like the World Economic Forum and High Fliers:

• Increased competition. The labor market is crowded with graduates, which leads to fierce competition for available positions. Industries such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy are particularly competitive, with graduates with specific skills in these sectors in high demand. In the U.S., employment opportunities continue to rise this decade. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects U.S. employment rates to continue to increase. Between 2014 and 2024, jobs increased by 6.5 percent, from 150.5 million 2014 to 160.3 million in 2024. About two-thirds of the companies require workers with higher education or training.
• Skills gap. Automation flows into the work environment, and more and more employers are looking for advanced technical skills and hands-on experience. The difference is that many educational institutions focus primarily on academics, leaving graduates unprepared for the practical demands of the workforce.
• High education and experience requirements. As work becomes more complex due to technological advances, more and more roles require higher education and relevant experience. Many beginning specialists are faced with the fact that in the job description for the junior/beginner position, they write a minimum of 2 years of experience as a requirement, which is a catch-22. Internship and cooperation programs are a good alternative, but not everyone can combine their study time with additional workloads.

• Economic and technological changes. And again, automation in the game. Digitization is changing the work framework, eliminating some jobs, and creating new ones that require different skills. Graduates should constantly adapt and upgrade their skills to stay relevant in this developing market.
• Economic factors. The economic climate also plays a crucial role in job availability. Millennials and Gen Z are wealthier than just a few years ago and much richer than their parents at the same age, but everything costs more, and they have more debt. Economic downturns and high unemployment rates can force graduates to accept jobs outside their career aspirations and work in lower-paying roles. This situation can lead to financial instability and emotional stress, further complicating the transition from education to employment.
• Endless student loans. The rising cost of education has led to greater reliance on student loans. Many students graduate with significant debts that may take decades to pay off (it takes around 20 years for most graduates to pay off their student loan debt). Financial difficulties due to the cost of living can lead to stress and even affect mental health. About 30% of students take on additional debt because their student loans are insufficient to cover living expenses. Thus, it turns into a multi-year pursuit of loan repayment.

So, with the data we’ve shared above at our disposal, how can university graduates better prepare themselves for the competitive job market? Let’s talk about it below.

Any strategy you take, remember, you need to build your hard (technical/professional) and soft skills first.

Hard skills

Depending on your field, certain hard skills are essential. For instance, IT graduates should be proficient in coding languages, while marketing graduates might need to master digital marketing tools.

According to HRForecast findings, there are ten hard skills most often cited as influential in most leading industries:

1. Data analysis and visualization (analyzing data by using tools like Excel, SQL, R, Python, and data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI).
2. ML and AI (proficiency in machine learning algorithms, AI models, and tools such as TensorFlow, Keras, or PyTorch).
3. Cybersecurity (knowledge of network security, threat detection).
4. Cloud computing (experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
5. Software development (programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript, along with knowledge of software development frameworks and methodologies).
6. Blockchain technology (understanding cryptographic principles and experience with platforms like Ethereum or Hyperledger).
7. Internet of Things (IoT) (IoT architecture, sensor integration, and data management for IoT devices).
8. DevOps (proficiency in continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), containerization with Docker, and orchestration tools like Kubernetes).
9. Digital marketing (SEO, SEM, SMM, and analytics tools like Google Analytics).
10. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) (knowledge of RPA tools like UiPath, Blue Prism, or Automation Anywhere for automating business processes).

Soft skills

Employers highly value soft skills. They can often be developed through group projects, internships, and extracurricular activities.

According to HRForecast findings, there are ten soft skills most often cited as influential in most leading industries:

1. Communication skills (verbal and written communication remain vital for collaboration, customer interactions, and clearly presenting ideas).
2. Emotional intelligence (understanding and managing one’s emotions and empathizing with others) is increasingly crucial for teamwork and leadership).
3. Adaptability (the ability to adjust to new technologies, processes, and changing work environments) is essential in a fast-growing job market.
4. Problem-solving (approaching complex issues with creative solutions is highly valued).
5. Critical thinking (The capacity to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments is vital for decision-making and strategic planning).
6. Time management (Efficiently managing one’s time and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines is a fundamental skill).
7. Leadership (Even for non-managerial roles, leadership qualities such as motivating and guiding others are often sought after).
8. Resilience (The ability to recover from setbacks and maintain performance under pressure is increasingly important).
9. Digital literacy (Comfort with digital tools and platforms, as well as the ability to learn new technologies quickly, is becoming a basic requirement).
10. Cultural competence (Understanding, communicating with, and effectively interacting with people across cultures is important in a globalized economy).

So, to simplify your entering the job position, try:

Internships and co-op programs

Participating in internships and cooperative education programs can significantly enhance graduates’ chances of securing employment. For instance, UPS provides structured internships and co-op programs across various fields like engineering, finance, and aviation. Many participants have transitioned from interns to full-time employees thanks to such initiatives.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn partners with organizations like Ford Motor Company and NASA to offer over 700 co-op and internship opportunities annually. This experience helps students apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom in a professional setting, build their resumes, and expand their professional connections, significantly increasing their employability.

Volunteer work

Volunteering helps you give back to the community, boosts your resume, and builds your network. For example, in Canada, volunteering is highly valued and can significantly benefit graduates and newcomers looking to enter the job market.

Of course, we understand the affordability of supporting volunteer programs as a pathway to employment varies by country and organization. While richer countries like Canada have robust infrastructures to support volunteering, it’s too cost-effective for other countries and companies. Thus, if you can’t afford to dedicate time to unpaid work, you can always try these solutions:

• Local resources and partnerships. For example, UNICEF and other international agencies often partner with local entities to create volunteer opportunities that require minimal financial input from the host country.
• Government and community support. Some countries provide small stipends or in-kind support (e.g., transportation, meals) to volunteers, making it easier for people to participate without significant financial burden.
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Look for companies that integrate volunteerism into their CSR strategies. It can be cost-effective and beneficial for the company’s public image.
• Freelance volunteering. It involves individuals offering their skills and services online or offline for free or a small fee. Volunteering can be particularly beneficial for gaining experience, building a portfolio, and attracting future clients. You can already start freelancing while you’re studying. For example, graphic designers often create logos for nonprofits, writers contributing articles to community newsletters, or IT professionals offering tech support to local charities. Platforms like VolunteerMatch and Idealist often list opportunities where individuals can remotely contribute their expertise.

Here’s a story to inspire you.

After nearly 20 years as a chef, Michael Burke developed rheumatoid arthritis, making it difficult to maintain his career. He began volunteering with Experience Corps, mentoring elementary school children. This volunteer role, coupled with computer and office technology courses, eventually led to a paid position as an administrative assistant with the same organization. Michael described volunteering as the best training he could have had for a new career.

Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events to meet professionals in your field. And remember, university years also include experience. Students typically develop several valuable foundational skills at university in academic and professional environments. So, for example, you can include skills like subject-specific knowledge, research skills, communication skills, time management, project management, content and data analysis, negotiation and persuasion, information literacy, etc.

Use this experience to build your profiles on professional social networks such as LinkedIn. There, you can connect with alums, professors, and professionals in your field.

Use your university’s careers services for resume review, mock interviews, and job search assistance. According to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 86% of students who used career services reported that it helped them land their first job. Career Services can provide personalized support and access to exclusive job listings. This interaction can significantly improve your employment prospects and encourage you to maximize these resources.

You can also connect with alumni who can offer advice, mentorship, and future leads. A study by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) found that students who participated in their university’s alum network were twice as likely to find work within six months of graduation than those who didn’t try. So, what takes advantage of such an opportunity if it is on the list of opportunities of your educational institution?

Continuous learning is essential.

While a university education provides a solid foundation, you should stay current with industry trends and continuously learn new skills. Employers value graduates who can adapt quickly and contribute effectively from day one.

Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in online forums to expand professional networks; these initiatives will definitely provide you access to job opportunities and industry insights.

Don’t be afraid to explore entry-level positions or roles outside your primary field of study. They can be stepping stones to gaining valuable experience and entering the workforce, opening doors to unexpected and exciting career paths.

Besides checking the around-industry events and forums, stay informed about job market trends, and always review the news related to the organizations and sectors you’d like to work in the future. Analyze what specialists they need or expect to have in 5+ years.

Content intelligence and data analysis are not just skills but key to success in your job search. And by them, we mean:

• Detailed insights into specific industries, including key players, typical job roles, and career growth opportunities.
• List of essential skills you need to be selected for the job interview.
• Recommendations for online/offline courses, certifications, and workshops to help you gain those skills that will bring you a job interview opportunity.
• A list of common interview questions and tips on answering them effectively.

We’d also advise you to regularly research industry reports, follow key influencers, and subscribe to relevant publications, which can help you identify in-demand skills and emerging opportunities. This knowledge lets you align your skillset with market needs and stay competitive.

Location analysis can also be a good solution. Explore job markets in different cities, regions, countries, and continents. When evaluating potential locations, consider factors such as cost of living, local industry strengths, and quality of life. This strategic approach can enhance your career growth and satisfaction.