As the U.S. job market becomes increasingly unpredictable, college graduates are facing uncertainty about securing stable employment. In early September, applications for unemployment benefits in the United States spiked to 263,000, the highest level since October 2021. While applications declined in the following weeks, government data shows that for the first time since April 2021, there are more unemployed Americans than job openings.
In August, the economy added 22,000 jobs, falling short of the 80,000 economists had expected. The national unemployment rate has risen to 4.3%, representing about 7.4 million unemployed individuals.
The University of Southern Mississippi is taking steps to help students navigate the job market. Through mentorship, comprehensive services, and access to industry professionals, USM’s Career Services aims to create a direct pipeline from education to employment.
Mackenzie Gray, assistant director of Career Services, said the office guides students through all aspects of the job search.
“What we do in career services is we help you with every step of the job search process,” Gray said. “Whether that be career exploration, resume prep, cover letter prep. We will also help you with mock interviews and things such as that. If you're looking for internship opportunities, we can also help you with those things.”
Career Services focuses not just on landing jobs, but on helping students develop a competitive edge. Students receive guidance on creating compelling resumes and practicing interview techniques to stand out in a crowded applicant pool.
Mary Morgan Wert, a senior at USM, said the university’s resources have prepared her for a career after graduation.
“I do feel prepared to go into the job market,” Wert said. “USM really dedicates a lot of resources and time. The professors really go out of their way to get to know other industry professionals and bring them into the school. I have already prepared for several career fairs just this next month and a bunch of different ways that I can meet people and work on my resume and better myself for interviews and possible jobs.”
Wert emphasized the importance of personal initiative in career success.
“I think it just takes initiative, something that a lot of people in our generation lack,” she said. “I think if you’re willing and really strongly want to get a job, you’re going to actively seek out somebody who is going to help you get a job.”
Gray agreed, saying preparation and persistence are essential.
“The job market in my opinion is one that’s a little bit difficult to navigate, but at the end of the day, if students prepare themselves, if they come to career services and they get the tips and tools that they need to help themselves stand out in the job search process and learn how to navigate a career fair, they will be much more successful in that job search,” she said. “We provide them with tons of strategies and different ways to just make them stand out against the competition.”
