Helping Your Rising College Senior Navigate the Job Market

Jun 10

This August, your child will head into their senior year of college (!!), and you’re probably thinking about what comes next—graduation and, of course, the job search. While the job market for the Class of 2025 is full of both challenges and opportunities, there's plenty parents can do to help their students prepare for what’s ahead. Here’s a breakdown of what’s shaping the job landscape and how your child can spend the next 12 months building a strong foundation to stand out in a crowded field after they earn their degree.

The Challenges: What’s Standing in the Way?

Slower Hiring Growth
While the job market was expected to see big growth, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) revised those projections. Instead of a sharp increase, they’re now predicting a modest 0.6% rise in hiring for the Class of 2025. It means there will be more competition for jobs than many expected. But don’t worry—your child can still thrive with the right approach.

Higher Unemployment Among Recent Grads
Recent college graduates are facing higher-than-usual unemployment rates, surpassing the national average. A degree is still valuable, but students need to be prepared with the right skills and experience to stand out from the crowd.

Impact of AI
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the job landscape, and it’s contributing to a decrease in traditional entry-level roles. For example, some jobs that involved routine tasks like data entry are being automated, meaning companies need fewer workers in those areas. While AI creates new job opportunities in other fields, it’s also important that your child stays ahead of the curve.

Federal Government Downsizing
There’s been talk of reducing the federal workforce, which means the competition for government jobs will likely get even tougher. If your child is aiming for a government role, they’ll need to be strategic and start early with networking and building relevant skills.

Internships Aren’t Always a Direct Path to a Full-Time Job
In past years, internships often led directly to job offers, but that’s not always the case anymore. Internship-to-full-time conversion rates are lower, so students need to go above and beyond during their internships to make a real impact and build connections for future opportunities. According to NACE (National Association of Colleges & Employers), ~50% of summer 2024 interns received full time offers. Approximately 70% of summer 2021 interns received offers.

The Opportunities: Bright Spots to Focus On

Hiring is Still Happening
Even though growth may be slower than expected, nearly 90% of employers are planning to maintain or even increase their hiring for the Class of 2025. So, while your child will need to work hard to stand out, there are still plenty of opportunities out there for those who are ready.

Industries That Are Growing
Certain fields continue to experience growth despite the challenges in other areas. Healthcare and technology are two of the biggest sectors still hiring, with job opportunities in everything from software development to cybersecurity to healthcare roles like nursing and therapy. Other industries that are on the rise include construction, financial services, and utilities.

Skills Are More Important Than Ever
Many employers are shifting their focus from hiring based on experience to hiring based on skills. That means students who can demonstrate expertise in areas like data analytics, AI, and project management will have an edge. Your child doesn’t need to have years of experience—just the right skills to make an impact.

Remote Work Is on the Rise
While most remote job postings are aimed at more experienced professionals, there’s a growing number of entry-level remote opportunities available. This is great news for students who are looking for flexibility and the option to work from anywhere after graduation.

Higher Salaries and Signing Bonuses
In some good news for new grads, starting salaries are rising faster than inflation, and many companies are offering signing bonuses to sweeten the deal. Your child might find themselves starting their career with a higher salary than past generations—and a little extra in their pocket.

Fields with Great Job Prospects for 2025 Graduates

So, where should your child focus their efforts? Here are a few fields with strong job prospects for the Class of 2025:

Technology

Software Development
Data Science and Analytics
Cybersecurity
AI Specialists

Healthcare

Nurses, Doctors, and Therapists
Roles in the Care Economy

Business

Business Analytics
Digital Marketing
Human Resources

Other Growing Fields

Environmental Science
Construction
Financial Services
Education

Tips to Set Your Child Up for Success

What can you do as a parent to help your child succeed in this evolving job market? Here are some tips to get them ready:

Leverage Professional Career Support
Consider seeking professional career guidance. Stiphany Consulting offers personalized, professional career coaching to provide valuable insights and a competitive edge. Whether it’s refining a resume, preparing for interviews, developing a strategic job search plan, focusing on building a network, or honing skills that employers are looking for, this type of guidance ensures they’re well-prepared to land a job that aligns with their strengths and aspirations.

Focus on In-Demand Skills
Encourage your child to pick up skills that employers are actively looking for, such as AI, data analytics, or project management. It’s all about making themselves as marketable as possible.

Be Adaptable and Showcase Transferable Skills
The job market may be unpredictable, so adaptability is key. Remind your child that soft skills—like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—are just as valuable as technical skills. Employers want people who can learn and grow on the job.

Experience is Everything
If your child hasn’t secured an internship or co-op yet, now’s the time. These hands-on experiences give them the chance to build skills, network, and gain real-world experience that can set them apart from other candidates.

Networking Pays Off
Encourage your child to make connections through their university’s alumni network or LinkedIn. Networking is essential in today’s job market, and building relationships now can pay off when it’s time to look for full-time opportunities.

Start the Job Search Early
Don’t wait until graduation day to start the job hunt. Encourage your child to be proactive and start exploring opportunities now, even if they’re just researching or applying for internships or co-op programs. The earlier they start, the better prepared they’ll be.

Final Thoughts: Help Them Get Ready for 2026

As your rising senior prepares for graduation in 2026, now is the time to lay the foundation for a successful job search. While the market has its challenges, there are still many opportunities for students who are adaptable, skilled, and proactive. By focusing on building in-demand skills, gaining experience, and networking, your child can be in the best position to land a great job after graduation. The earlier you start the conversation, the better prepared they’ll be when the time comes.