Recent college graduate students are stuck in a bottomless pit searching for jobs within a competitive job market and high unemployment rates.
The job market has hit an all-time low and it is bound to get worse.
In 2025, graduates ages from 23 to 27 have been hit with an unemployment rate of 4.59%, which is 1.34% higher than the rate in 2024, according to a Dec. 16, 2025 article from KCUR.
Since winter break, I have been rigorously applying for jobs and internships, hoping to land in the journalism field shortly after I graduate this year in May.
At this point, I lost track of the number of jobs or internships I applied to as I anxiously await those rejections or moving forward with application emails.
A part of job hunting includes the frustration when putting in time filling out countless applications and yet never hearing a response back from most.
So far, I only heard back from The Walt Disney Company in potentially moving forward with me to be a sports intern and recently completed an on-demand interview with them.
I would be lying if I told you that I know what I am doing half of the time when it comes to applying.
Journalism jobs are expected to decline 4% from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In addition, there are slightly over 4,000 journalism job openings each year regarding lower employment rates, according to the same report.
With the journalism market in danger, I’ve become increasingly worried that I will not achieve in becoming the sports journalist I want to be.
While I have been told that I am on the right path for my career, I fear companies will look at my resume and tell me that I do not meet the standards.
Being part of two university publications for nearly two years, having a remote internship and working part-time as a communications assistant, is currently the most I can be doing as a college student.
I believe I have done a handful of sports coverage during my time in college, while also working at home games for the San José Earthquakes.
It especially irritates me when applications look for work experience ranging two to five years just for entry-level jobs.
Why are companies asking for prior experience for recent graduates when they are clearly applying to gain experience?
I see it as a complete slap in the face when companies tell me that I wasted my time in college and earned my bachelor’s degree for nothing.
Entry-level jobs normally require basic skills and minimal experience, however require two to five years of experience, according to an Indeed FAQ.
I understand companies are looking for candidates who are the most qualified based on skills and experience, but it is not fair to expect candidates to have more experience than they need to.
Most college students can relate to the hustling of keeping their eyes on potential openings for their field.
I have been searching for jobs and internships on LinkedIn or company sites, dissecting the jobs I believe I can possibly be qualified for, but often get discouraged when I see a qualification that includes having three years of experience.
Networking has become a powerful tool more than ever in landing a job by building connections to build your career.
Meeting professionals within one’s field become helpful for job searching advice, getting other contacts for possible employment or follow-up interviews, according to the SJSU School of Information.
When it comes to networking, it is in these moments I do not hesitate to introduce myself because I may never know if it can turn into a positive career type relationship.
With keeping in touch with the connections I have, there could be a shot I make into the sports journalism field, but as of now, my future remains uncertain post-graduation.
