The April employment report exceeded expectations with 115,000 jobs added, but new graduates face a tough market. - Youth optimism about the job market has fallen sharply, per Gallup.
- Recent college grads (22-27) have a 5.6% unemployment rate, higher than the 3.1% for all college grads. - Junior-level job postings dropped 7% year-over-year, while senior postings rose 4%.
- 75% of graduates would accept a job they plan to leave within a year for immediate income. Job security now outweighs career growth for many graduates, driven by AI fears and hiring challenges.