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Fast Company
13 hours ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Employers are still hiring recent graduates—just more cautiously
Every year, I tell my students in my business analytics class the same thing: 'Don't just apply for a job. Audition for it.' This advice seems particularly relevant this year. In today's turbulent economy, companies are still hiring, but they're doing it a bit more carefully. More places are offering candidates short-term work experiences like internships and co-op programs in order to evaluate them before making them full-time offers. This is just one of the findings of the 2025 College Hiring Outlook Report. This annual report tracks trends in the job market and offers valuable insights for both job seekers and employers. It is based on a national survey conducted in September 2024, with responses from 1,322 employers spanning all major industries and company sizes, from small firms to large enterprises. The survey looks at employer perspectives on entry-level hiring trends, skills demand, and talent development strategies. I am a professor of information systems at Drexel University's LeBow College of Business in Philadelphia, and I coauthored this report along with a team of colleagues at the Center for Career Readiness. Here's what we found: Employers are rethinking talent pipelines Only 21% of the 1,322 employers we surveyed rated the current college hiring market as 'excellent' or 'very good,' which is a dramatic drop from 61% in 2023. This indicates that companies are becoming increasingly cautious about how they recruit and select new talent. While confidence in full-time hiring has declined, employers are not stepping away from hiring altogether. Instead, they're shifting to paid and unpaid internships, co-ops, and contract-to-hire roles as a less risky route to identify talent and 'de-risk' full-time hiring. Employers we surveyed described internships as a cost-effective talent pipeline, and 70% told us they plan to maintain or increase their co-op and intern hiring in 2025. At a time when many companies are tightening their belts, hiring someone who's already proved themselves saves on onboarding reduces turnover and minimizes potentially costly mishires. For job seekers, this makes every internship or short-term role more than a foot in the door. It's an extended audition. Even with the general market looking unstable, interest in co-op and internship programs appears steady, especially among recent graduates facing fewer full-time opportunities. These programs aren't just about trying out a job. They let employers see if a candidate shows initiative, good judgment, and the ability to work well on a team, which we found are traits employers value even more than technical skills. What employers want We found that employers increasingly prioritize self-management skills like adaptability, ethical reasoning, and communication over technical skills such as digital literacy and cybersecurity. Employers are paying attention to how candidates behave during internships, how they take feedback, and whether they bring the mindset needed to grow with the company. This reflects what I have observed in classrooms and in conversations with hiring managers: Credentials matter, but what truly sets candidates apart is how they present themselves and what they contribute to a company. Based on co-op and internship data we've collected at Drexel, however, many students continue to believe that technical proficiency is the key to getting a job. In my opinion, this disconnect reveals a critical gap in expectations: While students focus on hard skills to differentiate themselves, employers are looking for the human skills that indicate long-term potential, resilience, and professionalism. This is especially true in the face of economic uncertainty and the ambiguous, fast-changing nature of today's workplace. Technology is changing how hiring happens Employers also told us that artificial intelligence is now central to how both applicants and employers navigate the hiring process. Some companies are increasingly using AI-powered platforms to transform their hiring processes. For example, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia uses platforms like HireVue to conduct asynchronous video interviews. HR-focused firms like Phenom and JJ Staffing Services also leverage technologies such as AI-based resume ranking, automated interview scheduling, and one-way video assessments. Not only do these tools speed up the hiring process, but they also reshape how employers and candidates interact. In our survey, large employers said they are increasingly relying on AI tools like resume screeners and one-way video interviews to manage large numbers of job applicants. As a result, the candidate's presence, clarity in communication, and authenticity are being evaluated even before a human recruiter becomes involved. At the same time, job seekers are using generative AI tools to write cover letters, practice interviews, or reformat résumés. These tools can help with preparation, but overreliance on them can backfire. Employers want authenticity, and many employers we surveyed mentioned they notice when applications seem overly robotic. In my experience as a professor, the key is teaching students to use AI to enhance their effort, not to replace it. I encourage them to leverage AI tools but always emphasize that the final output and the impression it makes should reflect their own thinking and professionalism. The bottom line is that hiring is still a human decision, and the personal impression you make matters. This isn't just about new grads While our research focuses on early-career hiring, these findings apply to other audiences as well, such as career changers, returning professionals, and even mid-career workers. These workers are increasingly being evaluated on their adaptability, behavior, and collaborative ability—not just their experience. Many companies now offer project-based assignments and trial roles that let them evaluate performance before making a permanent hire. At the same time, employers are investing in internal reskilling and upskilling programs. Reskilling refers to training workers for entirely new roles, often in response to job changes or automation, while upskilling means helping employees deepen their current skills to stay effective and advance in their existing roles. Our report indicates that approximately 88% of large companies now offer structured upskilling and reskilling programs. For job seekers and workers alike, staying competitive means taking the initiative and demonstrating a commitment to learning and growth. Show up early, and show up well So what can students, or anyone entering or reentering the workforce, do to prepare? Start early. Don't wait until senior year. First- and second-year internships are growing in importance. Sharpen soft skills. Communication, time management, problem-solving, and ethical behavior are top priorities for employers. Understand where work is happening. More than 50% of entry-level jobs are fully in person. Only 4% are fully remote. Show up ready to engage. Use AI strategically. It's a useful tool for research and practice, not a shortcut to connection or clarity. Stay curious. Most large employers now offer reskilling or upskilling opportunities, and they expect employees to take initiative. One of the clearest takeaways from this year's report is that hiring is no longer a onetime decision. It's a performance process that often begins before an interview is even scheduled. Whether you're still in school, transitioning in your career, or returning to the workforce after a break, the same principle applies: Every opportunity is an audition. Treat it like one.
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘I've applied to 130 jobs' — 23 y/o international student in Singapore opens up about her job hunt struggles
SINGAPORE: A 23-year-old international student currently doing her Master's at SMU opened up online about her difficult job search experience, saying that she feels 'completely lost' after months of trying to land a full-time role in Singapore. In a post on r/SGexams, she shared that despite maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.0 and having several internships and work experiences under her belt, she has yet to receive a single offer. She also said she has applied to over 130 companies since arriving in Singapore, but has faced constant rejections or complete silence. 'Since arriving, I've applied to over 130 companies for full-time roles. Every application was tailored, customised resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, weeks of preparation,' she wrote. 'I recently interviewed for a Customer Support position and went through three rounds of interviews. I prepared for weeks, practised mock calls, and researched the company thoroughly, but was ultimately rejected with no feedback. That's been the hardest part, the silence. The uncertainty. The feeling of doing everything 'right' and still not breaking through, especially with the constant barrier of visa sponsorship,' she continued. She then shared details of her background, writing, 'I have strong technical skills in Python, Excel, R, Stata, Tableau, and Financial Analysis. I'm fluent in English, Hindi, and conversational French. My student visa expires at the end of this year (December 2025). I'm open to data analyst, client-facing, sales, financial roles, or customer support. I just want a chance to stay, work, and build my future in Singapore.' At the end of her post, she reached out to others who may have gone through a similar experience or who might have advice or recommendations for companies that hire international graduates. 'I would be extremely grateful for any help, advice, or even just encouragement.' 'Have you tried contract roles instead for the time being?' In the comments, one Singaporean Redditor said, 'Job market is bad. The place I interned at was hiring finance/econs degree holders for a finance role, and received 200+ applications within two weeks. Imagine hundreds of people eyeing a single role. And fresh grads are competing with people with years of experience. Less than 10 people were invited for an interview after a few rounds of selection.' Another pointed out, 'Job market is already crap for locals, it will be harder for foreigners, that's the reality.' A third commented, 'Hi, not sure about your salary/role expectations, but you might be overqualified with your Master's for the roles available. Locals in tech/finance are also finding the job market tough right now, much less a foreigner who will require a work pass. In other words, not your fault, just bad timing.' A fourth added, 'Have you tried contract roles instead for the time being? The job market in Singapore has been dismal for the past two to three years. Wishing you the best in your personal journey.' In other news, a 21-year-old Aussie student, 'visibly disabled' and currently in Singapore on a study tour, shared on social media that no commuter has ever offered her a seat on the MRT. Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Monday (June 16), she explained that in addition to using a cane, she also wears a sunflower lanyard (an indication that someone has a disability in her home country). Even so, she said that during her trips on the train, commuters either ignore her or remain too absorbed in their own worlds to notice her discomfort. Read more: 'Why does no one give up their seats to me on the train when I'm visibly disabled?' — 21 y/o foreign student visiting Singapore asks Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
Fast Company
11-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Ghosted by internship hiring managers? Here's a guide to creating your own experiential learning summer project
American college students have been scrambling to land summer internships this year. The process has been notoriously difficult, as more and more companies lean into AI—and lay off employees. Many entry-level opportunities have vanished. But a paid, full-time internship in your chosen industry is not the only worthwhile experience you can have this summer. The National Association of Colleges and Employers says that those who participate in experiential learning—a category including internships, externships, research projects, practicums, and micro-internships—both garner more job options and land a higher starting salary. Experiential learning extends beyond 'traditional' paid internships, yet still benefits those who take the initiative. In their early careers, experiential learners typically experience faster career progression, higher career satisfaction, more satisfaction with their university experience, and an average of $15,000 more in salary. Create your own plan Uncertainty about the economy has increased caution at corporations, as hiring managers slow down timelines and are more conservative with hiring. Cindy Meis, director of the undergraduate career services at the Tippie School of Business, University of Iowa, says that even if students are 'doing everything right,' they still might not be getting results from their search. Students who feel thwarted by the traditional internship route can still create their own plan. According to Meis, you can make almost anything a meaningful experience—you simply have to figure out how to formalize it. 'Think through how [your experience] can translate into numerical, tangible, transferable skills,' Meis says. 'So whatever it is you decide to do, I want it to be meaningful, planned, and deliberate.' Here's how to plan out the rest of the summer—and create a meaningful experience for yourself—without a traditional summer internship. Networking You don't need a formal internship to expand your contacts. Create a networking goal for the summer, whether that's a coffee chat every week with an alumni of your school who works in an interesting field, or a networking event once a month. Utilize LinkedIn or your school's alumni networking platform to locate individuals you want to speak to. Typically, your school's alumni will be receptive to offering help, support, or advice, so it's often okay to send a cold email or LinkedIn message to someone you would like to speak to Before your meeting, ask yourself: What do I want to know about this career in this industry? What do I want to know about this person's professional path? You can also reach out for feedback on your résumé, or even to job-shadow someone for a day (the formalized—key word here—version of this is called an externship). Optimizing your summer job Many college students discount the jobs they hold over the summer as meaningful experience. If you're a camp counselor, you can focus on the work you did to develop programming, handle unhappy parents, and deal with incidents. If you're a barista, focus on the teamwork with your coworkers, your customer service skills, and your ability to memorize and execute hundreds of coffee orders a day. According to Meis, you should think about every single thing you did in your job, and what things can apply to your target industry. Often, students forget about most of the things they did on a daily basis that might demonstrate important skills. These experiences are every bit as meaningful as anything you'll gain from an internship. 'I think sometimes half my job is being a cheerleader,' Meis says. 'I want to know every little detail.' Upskilling LinkedIn Learning is a great resource to develop other job skills that will benefit you in the future, Meis says. Students can even get certificates proving to future employers that they have the job's most relevant skills. LinkedIn Learning has a multitude of courses available to those with a premium membership, which is available as a free trial for 30 days. It offers everything from Grammar Foundations and Using Generative AI Ethically at Work to Javascript: Classes. Connecting with your college career advisor If you're a rising sophomore, junior, or senior, you can always contact the career advisor at your institution for a conversation. Career advisors are typically available in the summer, and you can always use them as a resource for help creating a plan. It's never too early or too late to chat, says Meis. 'I'm going to meet you where you're at, and it might be too late to get the traditional internship that you wanted,' Meis says. 'But it's not too late to have a plan or to pivot or to make an adjustment because something didn't work out.'
Bloomberg
10-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
The Highest-Paying US Summer Internships of 2025, by Industry
As artificial intelligence shakes up the job market, few career paths have been forecast to be in greater peril than software engineering. But employers are still investing top dollar in nascent software-engineering talent, offering among the most lucrative US summer internships of 2025. Software engineering interns can expect to earn between $20 and almost $29 an hour, according to research from the job site ZipRecruiter. Other high-paying industries include architecture and financial advising.
Globe and Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
LSET and JENZA Launch Global Internship Initiative Empowering Students Through AI Courses and UK Work Experience
LSET partners with JENZA and BUNAC to offer international tech internships in the UK via the Temporary Work GAE Visa. The program blends short-term academic learning in AI and Cybersecurity with paid or voluntary internships. Students get visa support and career experience across the UK. Applications open year-round for 1–12 month placements. London, UK - June 5, 2025 - The London School of Emerging Technology (LSET) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with JENZA, supported by BUNAC sponsorship, to provide international internship opportunities in the United Kingdom under the Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) Visa scheme. This collaboration allows students enrolled in LSET's career-forward programs, including its popular AI courses and Cybersecurity courses, to gain not only cutting-edge technical skills but also international work experience in dynamic industries across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The LSET Work-Integrated Learning (LWIL) Programme follows a hybrid model that blends short-term academic learning with a workplace internship. Designed specifically for international students, it allows participants to develop career-ready skills and gain international exposure in a condensed format. The academic portion is delivered through LSET's Innovation Lab, where students take part in team-based assignments, capstone projects, and mentor-led sessions. These activities aim to simulate real-world environments and prepare participants for their subsequent work placements. Key areas of focus include cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, software development, and AI courses, all of which are aligned with the needs of today's technology employers. With over 60 years of experience in work and travel programs, JENZA's mission to break down barriers aligns perfectly with LSET's commitment to preparing future leaders in AI, data science, and emerging technologies. Through this partnership, eligible students and recent graduates from all nationalities will have the opportunity to apply for 1–12 month internships via JENZA's streamlined portal system. These internships are designed to be supernumerary and aligned with each student's academic background and career goals . 'This partnership extends our mission beyond the classroom,' said Mayur Ramgir, Principal Instructor of LSET. 'We are equipping our students with both the advanced technological skills and the global professional exposure they need to thrive in an increasingly AI-powered world.' Participants will receive support from JENZA and BUNAC, one of the UK's largest GAE visa sponsors. This includes visa processing, internship vetting, and host employer guidance, all aligned with UKVI guidelines to ensure compliance and quality experiences for students. Key benefits of the program include: Access to paid or voluntary internships in a wide range of industries (excluding hospitality and healthcare) Year-round applications with flexible durations (1–12 months) Direct visa sponsorship and administrative support via JENZA and BUNAC Integration with LSET's AI and technology programs for academic and career alignment This initiative reflects LSET's broader mission to redefine education for the modern era, integrating AI and Cybersecurity courses with real-world industry engagement across borders. About LSET The London School of Emerging Technology (LSET) offers practical, industry-aligned education with specialisations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Full Stack Development. LSET's hands-on, project-based approach prepares students for high-demand roles in the tech sector. About JENZA JENZA is a work and travel leader with a vision to empower youth through global mobility. Through partnerships like this, JENZA enables students to intern abroad and gain life-changing work experience. About BUNAC A UKVI-designated sponsor, BUNAC provides Temporary Work GAE sponsorship for international students and recent graduates looking to intern in the UK. Programme Details and Application Process Prospective applicants can find detailed information about the LWIL Programme, including curriculum breakdown, internship partners, visa support, and deadlines, on LSET's official website: For inquiries, students may contact the admissions team directly at admission@ or call +44 20 3369 9909. Media Contact Company Name: London School of Emerging Technology Contact Person: Jim Cohn Email: Send Email Phone: 02033699909 Address: 1 Cornhill City: London Country: United Kingdom Website:
