Articles

The Pandemic Job Crunch for Graduates

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for all of us. One demographic that has been hit with difficulty and uncertainty during this time has been college and university students conducting a job or experiential learning search. These learning opportunities include internships, cooperative education positions and practicums.

Below are some of the challenges faced by students in their employment search during this time, as well as ways you can help support them.

Challenges faced by students

The constantly changing nature of the pandemic is having an impact on the job search for students in multiple ways. Students have observed how COVID-19 has impacted the workplace and may limit career opportunities. In turn, students may experience an early life crisis requiring them to reassess their game plan and alter career goals.

One way that the pandemic is impacting both students and employers is the uncertainty about what an employer’s future hiring needs may be. This can result in delays with positions being posted and students being able to apply to them. It can also cause uncertainty about what the nature of the work environment will be. Will the work be done in person or remotely.

With social distancing and mask regulations, students have had limited opportunities to expand their professional network due to the elimination of in-person networking events. This includes career fairs and networking events on college campuses, professional association business meetings, conferences, and individual meetings with network contacts. Although many of these opportunities can be facilitated virtually, a traditional in-person meeting can be more impactful.

How you can help

You can contact career services offices to see what opportunities are available to support students. Schools are continuing to provide events and programs in a virtual environment. We appreciate your expertise on topics such as job search, networking, and professionalism.

Become a mentor. Check with your alma mater to see if they have an alumni mentoring program that you can join. These programs are typically managed by career services or alumni services. These programs can be managed and facilitated virtually, providinga way for you to support your alma mater, assist students with their job search, and recruit potential employees.

For an in-depth discussion about the student job search and networking during COVID-19, feel free to listen to Episode 2 of The Launch Pod, the SLU Career Services podcast.

Karl Aldrich
Assistant Director for Career Services
SLU