As of January 26, 2025, recent college graduates are facing significant challenges in securing employment, despite a thriving U.S. economy that added an average of 186,000 jobs per month in 2024. Madia Bellebuono, a University of Vermont graduate, exemplifies this struggle, having applied for over 300 jobs since earning her degree in strategic marketing and public communications in May 2024, yet remains unemployed. A study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York highlights the widest unemployment gap between new graduates and experienced degree holders since the 1990s [a83b49a3].
The job market has become increasingly competitive, with hiring managers reporting that 58% believe recent graduates are unprepared for the workforce. David Deming from Harvard Kennedy School notes that the skill requirements for entry-level roles have escalated, making it more difficult for new graduates to secure positions [a83b49a3].
This situation is compounded by the fact that marketing and communications job postings have decreased by 20% since pre-pandemic levels, leading to longer search times for job seekers in these fields, which now average six months [481b9a29]. The overall job market has cooled significantly from the highs of 2021 to 2023, affecting high-paying sectors like technology, law, and media [cd70cb49].
Universities are under scrutiny for not adequately preparing students for the job market, with nearly half of Americans deeming college costs worthwhile only if loans are avoided. In response, Northeastern University has seen a 53% increase in applications for its co-op program since 2020, and the University of Vermont plans to launch a co-op program in fall 2025. Drexel University boasts a 97% employment rate for its 2022 graduates, attributed to its long-standing co-op program [a83b49a3].
As the job market continues to evolve, the focus remains on supporting those affected by job losses and fostering a more resilient labor market amid ongoing economic fluctuations. Federal Reserve officials have expressed ongoing concerns about inflation and economic growth, which are contributing factors to the difficulties faced by job seekers in various fields, including marketing and communications [cd70cb49].