From student loan repayment to what to ask in job interviews, what new grads should know

USA Today

19-06-2025

From student loan repayment to what to ask in job interviews, what new grads should know
While new college graduates' first challenge is often landing a job, entering the workforce brings other stresses like navigating their new career as well as their personal finances.
Most of this year's college graduates are Gen Z, the generation that experiences the most financial stress, according to Ally Bank's recent Minds on Money report. Only 34% of adults under age 28 say they feel in control of their finances and that they could cover a $1,000 emergency expense without going into debt, the report found.
While securing a high salary can help, it doesn't guarantee new graduates will have a handle on their money. Having a plan for student loan repayments, managing lifestyle creep, and setting clear boundaries can keep you on track. And once you're hired, understand that networking is only beginning if you want to climb the ladder or eventually move to a different company.
Here's what new graduates should keep in mind during and after the job hunt:
More: New grads want remote, high-paying jobs that align with their values. Is that possible?
What to look for in job descriptions and interviews
While salary and location may be the first things job seekers look for when scrolling LinkedIn, Anthony Knierim, managing director of the Americas for the global employee engagement platform Reward Gateway, says they should keep an eye out for other less obvious green lights and red flags.
Knierim advised taking the time to ask about company culture in a job interview. Knowing how employees collaborate and talk about their workplace gives valuable insight, he said. Knierim also advises job seekers to ask how they would fit into the company's future, emphasizing how their soft skills will be enhanced and valued in a world that is rapidly automating hard skills.
Knierim and Jack Howard, head of Money Wellness at Ally, agree applicants should also consider the benefits that come with accepting a position. Beyond a 401(k) match and health insurance plan, some workplaces will cover your transportation costs, gym membership, or offer tuition reimbursement.
Even if you've already started the new job, you may want to navigate an old HR portal or read through a long handbook to find out about those additional benefits. Doing so is worth your time, Knierim said.
'People are only in a company for 15 to 17 months in the young demographic,' he said. 'They don't have as much time to hear from somebody else, 'Did you know our company does this?' … When you get those onboarding packets that are usually 30 pages, really take time to see what's offered.'
Networking doesn't end
Whether you're wanting to switch companies or move up internally, networking doesn't end once you're hired for your first job after graduation.
Gen Z is following in Millennials' footsteps and throwing off stigmas around job hopping, Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster, told USA TODAY and Knierim said it's nearly impossible to get a job in today's market without networking.
'It's kind of moving beyond, 'Who is the one person you know?' Now it's almost like, 'What are the three to five angles I can use to get into this place?'' Knierim said.
He advises young people to maximize their alumni and social networks when looking for a new job, and to get face time with senior leadership if they're hoping for a promotion.
'Be aggressive without being a pain,' he said. 'Go to the town halls. Go up to the key executives after with great questions."
Knierim suggested asking about new ways the company is using AI. He recalled how businesses largely relied on young people to take charge of their social media strategy in the early 2010s and said new graduates could help lead the way on AI implementation in some companies.
Don't forget about student loans
The grace period before graduates have to start making payments on their student loans is often nearing its end by the time new graduates settle into their first job.
After a nearly five-year hiatus, student loans borrowers are again facing the threat of debt collection and watching their credit scores take a dive.
Despite ongoing conversations about student loan reform and forgiveness programs emphasized during former President Joe Biden's administration, Howard has some straightforward advice for new graduates.
'You just have to pay it back,' she said. 'You have to prioritize it. I know it's hard because you're not making as much money as you would like.'
Set boundaries with friends and family
Howard said she left graduate school with $70,000 in debt and aggressively paid it off within two years.
'How did I do that? You have to say 'no' to things,' Howard said. 'Friends were getting married. There were some weddings I had to say 'no to.'
She said while it can be tough to talk with friends about money, those conversations are worth it. Explaining that you're declining a dinner invite because you're paying down credit card debt can improve the relationship and even lead to that friend holding you accountable when you think about making an irresponsible purchase.
Howard added that recent college graduates who move to a different state often feel obligated to visit home, but they should keep in mind that it's OK to set a boundary with friends and family if they can't afford a trip.
Avoid lifestyle creep
Lifestyle creep happens when people get a raise or new job and instead of sticking to their old spending habits, they start spending more.
After years on a tight college budget, it can be tempting to use a new salary to eat out, buy new clothes, or splurge. Financial experts agree that while it's reasonable to celebrate after landing a new job, ry not to purchase expensive status symbols, like watches or purses.
'It creates shame because you purchased it knowing you couldn't afford it,' Howard said. 'We want to get rid of shame. Money should be enjoyed.'
Howard says the best way for people to avoid lifestyle creep is to have a detailed budget and ask themselves what is the "return on joy" for each thing they buy.
'Being mindful and very intentional about how you spend helps to alleviate some of that lifestyle creep. It happens because you're not paying attention,' she said.
Reach Rachel Barber at [e-mail] and follow her on X @rachelbarber_