Opinion | Class of 2024, It’s Not in Your Head: The Job Market Is Tough

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the challenging job market faced by the college class of 2024, with many graduates struggling to find jobs that match their college education.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Challenging Job Market for College Graduates

1. What are the key facts about the job market for recent college graduates?

• 52% of college graduates are underemployed (working in jobs that don't require a college degree) a year after graduation
• 88% of those underemployed are "severely" underemployed 5 years after graduation
• The top 5 jobs for underemployed college graduates are: information and record clerk, supervisor of sales, retail sales worker, sales representative in services, and secretary/administrative assistant
• Even a decade after graduation, 45% of college graduates are still underemployed

2. What are the best ways to avoid underemployment after college?

• Choose a college major that is in demand by employers
• Complete an internship during college

[02] The Disconnect Between College Degrees and Earnings

1. What is the mystery mentioned about the higher lifetime earnings of college graduates compared to high school graduates? The article notes that it is a mystery why college graduates have much higher lifetime earnings than those with just a high school degree, if so many college graduates end up in jobs that don't require a college education.

[03] Invitation for Feedback

1. What is the author inviting college seniors, parents, and employers to do? The author is inviting college seniors to share their job search experiences and thoughts on what they learned or wish they had learned in college. Parents and employers are also welcome to provide feedback.