"Don't Worry. College Grads Still Have Great Prospects" - 05/13/20 Edition
Stephen Says Column







Dear Stephen,

I am a father with a daughter that is 'virtually' graduating from college this month. She has chosen a career in TV and media. Last summer, she had an internship in her field (TV news), setting her up for what hopefully be a job in television. Sure enough, the same company she interned with offered her a position last month. She had more than one offer, but that company was her first choice, and that is what she accepted. She received a firm job offer to start the new job right after the 4th of July.

My wife and I were a bit surprised by all that is happening in the world. Some of our friend's kids may not have been as lucky with there first job. Finding a job and or even knowing when they will start is troubling. As a parent, I am worried. What is in store for job prospects for the Class of 2020?

Dad of a recent college grad.
 


Pent-up demand as the pandemic winds down will create more and more jobs,
especially entry-level jobs.


Dear College Grad Dad,

I can appreciate your worry, both for your daughter and the other members of the Class of 2020. I tell young people today, patience. Most recent college grads have already secured a job, and from I have heard very few of those offers have fallen through. Then those who have not found a job yet may get lucky and will find jobs soon as your daughter did, and others will wait. It's a very different time to be graduating from college today for sure, starting with the virtual ceremony.

If you have not found a job, there are places and industries hiring, even with COVID-19. Instacart is looking to hire 300,000 contract workers over the next three months. Amazon needs 175,000 for its fulfillment centers. Financial services, investment, lending, and customer services are in demand. Chase, Fidelity Investments and Morgan Stanley - are all hiring. There is a perpetual shortage of people in health care and human services. Not just nurses, but certified nursing assistants, radiology and technologist, and social workers are needed. Now COVID-19 testers and tracers can be added to the jobs list. You name it; there are jobs for recent grads. And what is the rush?

Pent-up demand as the pandemic winds down will create more and more jobs, especially entry-level jobs. It's also a great time to get your resume and letter noticed. Employers have more empathy and interest. What may change is the lag time before a new job starts. Companies are adjusting and improving the work environment, like where and how we work. That may slow down a start date and training if you have a new job. Guess what that means for readers here? New designs for the new office and new furniture for those new designs. What is most important to any young person just graduating who may be experiencing frustration in finding or starting a new job? Patience! So Class of 2020, keep in mind, any delay is not your fault. It's a situation that you have no control over, and that is not a reflection of your talents or future. Your future is bright, and your prospects are as exceptional as you are!

Stephen
 

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Stephen Viscusi is a bestselling author, television personality, and CEO of The Viscusi Group,
global executive recruiters located in New York.
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