American college graduates are facing the worst entry-level job market since the pandemic, with the underemployment rate reaching 42.5% – its highest level since 2020. Several young graduates told the Guardian about their struggles navigating a job market shaped by tightening opportunities, the rise of AI and shifting employer expectations. Gillian Frost, a 22-year-old student at Smith College in Massachusetts, has been searching for work since last September. As his job search continues, Kubat said he was beginning to lower his expectations. Photograph: Courtesy of Anna WaldronFor Anna Waldron, a 22-year-old originally from Portland, Oregon, structural barriers in hiring practices have made the job search especially challenging.

Source: The Guardian April 12, 2026 17:00 UTC