Recent college graduates have been facing a rude awakening over the last couple of years in the midst of their job searches. Many opportunities labeled as “entry level” actually want candidates that have more experience than what the career label describes. The two to three year threshold is now being met with higher demands of having four to five years experience post-grad. Alongside this, African American women have also been dealing with mass layoffs and force-outs from employers across numerous industries since earlier this year. Other factors that have contributed to this have been budget cuts to DEI programs, and larger economic shifts. As of July 2025, the unemployment rate has reached 6.3%, the highest it’s been since October 2021 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
With September Surge underway, it’s important to have in mind your professional goals to understand the direction you want to go in. September Surge is known as the time frame where companies have a large influx of posted roles and hirings after picking back up from taking a break in hiring over the Summer months. More than anything, be mindful that your career path isn’t always linear and there are ways to still boost your resume in the midst of adversity. As you’re waiting on that dream job, pivoting to similar jobs or work that mimics what you want to do can help you prepare for the role before you even get it. For example, many people who are looking to be a social media manager start running their own personal platforms as if they’re managing it as a third person. Other times they may even reach out to local businesses or nonprofits where the pay may not be as much as what they want, but it is something that can help them gain valuable experience. For those thinking about a career in finance, they could start up a social media series on how they go about managing their personal financial decisions or even provide advice to others to grow their consulting experience, like “here’s how I was able to make 10 meals for $X”. Those seeking to work in media can write freelance for publications or even start a blog to talk about topics that interest them. Those looking to be in science or medical could dive deeper into research studies to educate themselves further on specific topics or reach out to local medical professionals and discuss opportunities to potentially shadow.
Following influencers like Jade Walters can help you find opportunities in a unique way. Her platform caters exclusively to Gen-Z’ers seeking their next big break, and navigating their job search. Trying to emerge in a market that’s already forming itself against you is no easy task, but leveraging resources outside of what everyone else is using is helpful. Larger job boards are great, but can become a bit over-saturated with job seekers just like you. Sometimes it’s better to reach out to someone who posts about an opportunity individually or seek out niche job sites that aren’t as well known, but still effective like Girl Boss’s job board or New Grad Jobs.
Career building can be stressful for the mind and body, regardless of if you’re just starting or considered a veteran in your industry. Self care should be prioritized during this time, and especially now more than ever. Taking intentional breaks in your search isn’t a form of laziness or giving up, it’s providing yourself rest. Spending time with loved ones or circling back to a DIY project you had going in the past are ways to give yourself the necessary attentiveness that’s unrelated to work. Your moments of self care should feel like enjoyment, not a chore.
Outside of the standard advice like “network with people” or “be proactive”, transitioning your mindset when applying is a key part. It’s easy to feel discouraged, and carry preconceived notions of how an interview or job hiring process might go. While you should still embrace how you feel, going into opportunities or application cycles with this mindset is already putting you at a disadvantage. This is why it’s important to take care of yourself during these transitional periods. Finding the balance between your search and rest makes all the difference to managing your mental health. Taking care of yourself with gentleness and patience can be as simple as getting rest or doing cardio-driven activities like taking a walk or booking a group workout class. Utilizing the down time you have as you prepare for your next role is an underrated essential that isn’t always discussed.
Start your plan to land your dream job by confidently recognizing what you bring to the table, and stay resilient throughout your search. This can sometimes make you slow down while on the heels of being close to a breakthrough. Discouragement is a sincere feeling that you should embrace, but finding balance of emotion will help it to not be a hindrance. A plan of action might include time blocks for when you’d want to dedicate time to apply to roles or time towards gaining new certificates under your belt. If you end up not landing your dream opportunity right away, it is best to remember that your unique journey is continuously evolving and showing up as the role you want to be is putting you well on your way towards embodying it.