The class of 2026 is preparing to graduate on June 15 at the University Commencement Ceremony. The excitement of purchasing grad attire and booking senior photoshoots fills the air, but some seniors, including myself, are struggling to find one key component for the next steps of life: a job.
My journey with job applications has felt like a stalemate, and growing concerns about how the economy is performing deters my hope for a job straight out of college. I’ve been spending countless
hours applying to over 30 jobs so far and constantly feel the tendency to refresh job sites to stay on top of things.
Many of my friends have discussed how it has felt difficult to stand out with these computerized systems that look for particular buzzwords to dictate which applications are worthy enough to be looked over.
All in all, applying for a “big girl job” can feel completely hopeless.
With job search sites like LinkedIn, Indeed and Handshake, I can understand the extent to which newer generations have a much simpler time finding the right roles for them.
University of Oregon senior Matt Elo discussed how the changing job and recruitment landscape plays a vital role in college students’ lives.
“One thing I think students can do to combat challenges in the hiring process is to make their applications stand out more,” Elo said. “Whether that’s showcasing themselves involved in multiple experiences or jobs, actively networking with professionals, showing their knowledge of AI and the evolving job demands or putting themselves out there.”
Elo secured a summer audit internship and will continue his education at UO in the Master of Accounting program to earn his certified public accountant license. Through his efforts of interning last summer, securing a leadership role for UO’s Beta Alpha Psi and aiding first-year business students as a mentor for Flight School, Elo continues to strengthen the skills he’ll need in the future.
Laura von Stockhausen, a Lundquist School of Business senior career advisor, discussed how students can find success in landing a job.
“You’ve got to get involved and you’ve got to be proactive in your relationship building,” von Stockhausen said. “Keep in mind, it takes a lot of resources for companies to hire, train and onboard new team members.”
Throughout my four years here at UO, many faculty members have stressed the importance of finding connections and building relationships with peers.
“Being a candidate that an employer already knows and has some trust built in is the ultimate goal when trying to get hired,” von Stockhausen said.
UO has an extensive alumni network that allows past Ducks to support current ones.
The ability for students to leverage themselves with the resources that UO provides, or even close friends and families, can help students prepare for their future careers. It’s a matter of being accountable for your career path and being intentional with these connections.
“I am a big believer that hard work can achieve anything, and everything happens for a reason. If you work hard, have the right heart and intentions, you will end up where you are meant to be,” Elo said.
