"What are the challenges facing students for employment after finishing University?"

Students are faced with many struggles after graduating and seeking employment. It is quite difficult for students to have an extended resume with years of experience, which is what most employers seek. One of the main reasons why high school graduates enter into university is because they want a job. However, when university students graduate, a large portion of them find it very difficult to find a job. In the following report it will include a brief overview of the challenges faced and explain why these problems are occurring.

From a survey taken from students, it shows that 91% either strongly agree or agree employers should offer more trainee roles (Guardian Careers, 2016). One of the main issues for newly graduated students is employers seek or require years of experience in their field. Most students simply do not have the experience required however most likely do have the skill set. They are more than qualified and fit for the job yet employers overlook that. Of course it is much easier for companies and employers to employee people who have experience as it is less training and less expensive. It would be highly beneficial if companies provided training programs that could teach graduates more skills. From the survey it is clear that graduates do want to work they just need the opportunity. “So the range of training offerings available in the years taken into account is complex, and it is not yet clear how the new ‘regime’ graduates met labour market needs in terms of skills and competencies” (Paoli, 2010). Economist Anna de Paoli conducted a survey about employer’s preferences over prospective workers. “Our results show that the reform-related increase in the supply of graduates, induced an increase in their employment and that employers are willing to substitute non graduates with graduates” (Paoli, 2010). The job market is highly competitive and a university degree is not an automatic ticket for getting a job. So, it is very difficult for students to find employment. “the job market is often flooded with qualified job-seekers possessing higher levels of experience than recent graduates. And unfortunately, gaining valuable experience is equally difficult during economic slowdowns, because internships and other paid training opportunities are less widespread” (Brooks, 2014).

Another challenge is competing with the amount of graduates looking for the same job. For example, a Bachelor of Business is quite popular and thousands of students do the same degree. After 3 years when the students graduate, thousands and thousands of students are put into the work force all with the same degree. The challenge is being different and unique than the rest of graduates. Students need to stand out and make their degree unique compared to someone else. Students are already very consumed in studies and on top of that they work. Joining school groups, programs and volunteering is a great way to build up a resume and separate from other students however it can be challenging. Career planning is a wonderful way for students to set goals and work towards a job (Renn, Steinbauer, Taylor & Detwiler, 2014).

In conclusion, it is very challenging for newly graduated students to find employment. They are faced with a few issues that make employment very difficult. The two discussed were, not having the years of experiences that employers seek and competing in a very competitive market. Although graduates face these challenges, there are ways to plan and decreases the level of difficulty. Making sure students get involved with other programs and groups can most definitely help with increasing credibility and contacts.