Just how hard is it to get a job after university?

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The overarching reasoning for students to attain a university degree is to secure a stable future for themselves in a field they have an interest in. However, today’s university graduates and current students face an upward battle in finding full-time employment, post study. 

Student Job Search (SJS), a non-profit organisation dedicated to connecting students and graduates with possible full-time work, told Canta it is currently a difficult time for jobseekers to attain a place of employment.

“Total job vacancies listed on Student Job Search (SJS) have been declining over the last two years,” SJS said.

“In June this year, we saw a 35% decrease compared to June 2023, so it means students have much more competition for roles. Trends are slightly more exaggerated for graduate roles, with a 43% decline in job listings in June relative to last year.”

These statistics unfortunately line up with the Ministry of Business’ findings, as they published in a 2024 report that online advertising for all industries in the June quarter had decreased, with the biggest fallers being the IT, Manufacturing and the Health care industries.

Former Canta feature writer and current social media/marketing Rams employee, Tim Smith provided some insight to Canta surrounding his own journey and struggles coming straight out of university.

“Diving headfirst into full-time work can be such a blunt departure from university study. I struggled for upwards of a year post-graduating, trying to feel comfortable in a career decision,” Smith said.

However, even in what seems to be a miserable time to be a fresh-faced university graduate or even for those currently studying, there are many strategies one can take to tilt the odds.

Smith expressed the importance of expanding your professional network and how it can help get one foot in a door, or even open a door up for further on down the track.

“Meet, connect, and ask as many questions as you can to professionals in the fields you’re interested in and other students in the same position as you,” Smith told Canta.

SJS additionally gave Canta a similar message, commenting that gaining work experience is paramount to sticking out from the sea of hopeful employees.

“A barrier students can face when applying for jobs is a lack of work experience, but you can draw from the experiences you’ve had while studying, doing extra-curricular activities, or entry-level jobs.”

“Developing your skills and gaining experience before you graduate will convey a great work ethic to potential employers and could give you an advantage when you find that perfect role.”