by Trista Crittendon, staff writer

Graduation is an exciting milestone, marking the end of years of hard work and the beginning of new opportunities. But for many students, it also brings uncertainty about what comes next.

Some, like Jose Mejia, a senior accounting major at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), feel anxious about breaking into a competitive job market. Others, like nursing student Ella Macaldo from Pikes Peak State College (PPSC), feel more confident thanks to high demand in their field.

Mejia, set to graduate in the summer of 2025, is proud of his academic achievements but feels uneasy about his job prospects. “I’ve been told that most accounting jobs require years of experience,” Mejia said. “It’s tough because, as a new graduate, I don’t have that yet. I’m excited to finish school, but I can’t help but feel anxious about how I’ll stand out compared to others.”

His concerns are shared by many students nearing graduation. A 2021 survey by Cengage revealed that half of recent graduates felt underqualified for entry-level positions, leading many to hesitate when applying for jobs in their fields (Cengage Group). This highlights the challenges students face as they transition from college to the workforce.

In contrast, Macaldo, who is already working in the nursing field while pursuing her degree, is optimistic about her future. “I’m not as worried because I already have a job in nursing,” she said. “The demand for nurses is so high right now that I feel like there will always be opportunities.”

Macaldo’s confidence is supported by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects healthcare occupations will add 4.7 million jobs from 2022 to 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors (“Healthcare Occupations”). For students in fields like nursing, this demand creates a sense of stability and security not found in every industry.

The differing experiences of Mejia and Macaldo show how industry demand can shape students outlooks. High-demand fields like healthcare often offer a smoother transition into the workforce, while fields like accounting require graduates to navigate more competition and higher barriers to entry.

Mejia’s advice he would give to younger students is that he wishes he would’ve gotton more experience early through internships, part-time jobs, or networking opportunities. “Even if the job market is competitive, showing initiative and building connections can make a big difference,” Mejia said.

Mejia and Macaldo reflect the diverse realities faced by students as they approach graduation. Mejia plans to focus on building his resume and professional network to stand out in his field, while Macaldo is preparing for growth in her current role.As graduation season approaches, students like Mejia and Macaldo are navigating the future with a mix of hope and uncertainty.

For all graduates, moving from college to a career requires flexibility, persistence, and a willingness to take advantage of available resources. While the path may not always be easy, the skills and connections students build now can help set them up for long-term success.

Works Cited
Cengage Group. “Half of Recent Grads Feel Underqualified for Jobs in Their Field, New Report Finds.” Cengage Group, 2021, https://www.cengagegroup.com/news/press-releases/2021/new-cengage-report-finds-recentcollege-graduates-feel-underqualified-to-enter-the-workforce/
“Healthcare Occupations.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm.