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Fast Company
7 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Why summer internships were so hard to find this year
Fast Company spoke with four students about the challenging internship application process—and what they plan to do this summer. [Photo: Panumas/Adobe Stock] BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 10:16 'Another day, another internship,' says Paige Lorbiecki, a junior at the University of Florida, straight to camera. This year, Lorbiecki documented the process of applying to summer marketing internships on TikTok. In this video from May 4, she completed another six applications, but Loribiecki says she applied to more than 100 internships in total. It took her until late May, nearly a month after her classes ended, to finally secure a content creation and social media opportunity at an interior design business. This rigamarole of applying to internships and post-grad fellowships has never been fun, but this year, many are finding the cycle exceptionally tough. College students and recent graduates all over the country are feeling the effects of an oversaturated job market and a lack of entry-level jobs. The student job platform Handshake found that internship postings on their site declined by more than 15% from 2023 to 2025. Between the Trump administration's cuts to university funding, and economic uncertainty over tariffs, many companies are tightening their hiring budgets, limiting the number of summer internships they offer, and raising the amount of experience they require. Fast Company spoke to four different college students, including Loribiecki, about their plans this summer and their insights about the agonizing application season. Their accounts have been edited for space and clarity. Subscribe to the Daily Company's trending stories delivered to you every day SIGN UP Kelly Rappaport, senior at Northwestern University: 'I've not gotten a single interview.' I fully committed to searching in November or December, and started applying here and there for media and communications industries. Depending on how busy I am each week, I'm putting out anywhere from five to 25 applications each week. I think at this point, we are all aware that the 'Easy Apply' button is as good as throwing your résumé in the garbage. But believe it or not, I've not gotten a single interview. Ballpark range, I've probably applied to 300 to 500 different jobs. That's actual, sincere job applications. I'm very exhausted, jaded, and kind of disappointed. I'm a first-generation college student, and I can't even get a first round interview or a call back or anything on all these jobs. I have a ton of things on my résumé. I've had recruiters tell me I'm over-qualified and then still not get put to the next round interview. And it's so exhausting when sometimes I see peers that, because they have connections, they are getting jobs. My dad's like a blue-collar trades worker, and my mom's worked in public schools. I certainly don't have connections outside of the Chicago area where I'm from, and so it feels like I'm kind of limited by who I know. For my Sophomore year [summer internship], I don't think I got an offer until May, and so I was kind of expecting another summer of no internships. I was very stressed, because you look at your peers and you think you need to be in one place or another. Especially as a first-generation college student, my peers are kind of my benchmark. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to be, because I don't have that model of where my parents were at. I really think unpaid internships are rather sinister. There is no other context in this country in which unpaid labor is an acceptable thing. I think there's definitely inherent privilege [at a university like Northwestern]. There's the financial security to take on an unpaid internship or an internship in an expensive location; there is the privilege of connection; the privilege of having parents who know where [the benchmark is]; who know how colleges work and how networking is. There's definitely a major disconnect there. Skyley Mitchell, senior at Stanford University: 'Slowly but surely, I started losing passion.' I study international relations, and truthfully, I didn't really have a clear, guided career path. I really wanted to focus on social impact, something along those lines, where I can help the community that I find important. So that's one of the biggest things, and that is terrible not only for the job market, but also for payment, as well. I'm also a low-income student. It puts a lot of pressure on me to provide for [my family]. So that was one of the biggest determinants for what job I want to do, and if I should follow passion or follow money. But the biggest thing about this job market is that it feels like you can do neither. People often say your first job out of college may not matter as much to your future career. But it really felt like it did, so it was really hard. And I hate writing cover letters. They're one of the worst aspects [of] applications ever, because I basically have to be fun, quirky, and relatable. It's like a dating app, but for job applications. You want to be fun and interesting. I don't know how to be fun and interesting to a job that doesn't care about me yet. I read this article before that was talking about how Gen Z is the most rejected generation ever, basically talking about how we're getting rejected on dating apps; we're getting rejected on job apps; we're getting rejected on school applications. We're just getting rejected in various aspects in life, which makes us a little jaded. And I think I really felt that for my job applications. Slowly but surely, I started losing passion about what I wanted to do. I just started doing Quick Apply on Indeed in order to get my applications out there. Coming back with rejections, it just really slowly but surely started hurting less—but not in a good way. Fortunately I have a job now, which I'm very grateful for. But the main reason why I think I was able to get it is because of my school. Stanford is very prestigious [and] has a lot of great opportunities for its students. If you get connected, there's a lot of opportunities. Paige Lorbiecki, junior at University of Florida: 'It's like a pit in your gut.' At [the University of Florida], I jumped at every opportunity. I feel like my résumé is stacked [and] my portfolio is very diverse, but all these internships are looking for something specific that I just don't have. I started applying way back in October. Some internships are super early, so I definitely started applying back then, and over winter break, I did a lot, and I still wasn't hearing anything back. It's hard because a lot of my finance friends had an internship set a year ago. So I just felt really behind. But marketing specifically is a little bit of a pushed back timeline; it's a little bit later in the year. I ended up doing close to 80 applications. Didn't really hear anything back. I had three rounds of interviews for different companies. Made it to the final interview of all of those, and ended up not getting it. I would even email them back and say 'Oh, I would love feedback so I can improve myself,' and they would just ghost me. I don't know how to improve or what I'm missing that these companies are looking for. Starting in February is when the rejections started to roll in. I have applied to a little over 100 now, and I've heard back from about 30% of them, so I'm still waiting to hear back from 70%. Half of those, I don't think I'm ever going to hear back from. It just is what it is. A lot of things are automated nowadays. If my résumé doesn't match your job description, it just automatically rejects me. I'm a little bit confused why I'm not getting those emails, and now I'm waiting around to know if these opportunities are still open for me, or is it just, like a lost cause? Should I move on? So, it's weird. I'm just assuming the worst, that it's not going to happen. Why can I not describe my feelings right now? It's like a pit in your gut. It's almost like annoyance and a little bit of anger. I feel like I hold myself to a really high standard. So when I don't achieve those goals, I'm like, 'Okay, what can I do to fix that? I've got to figure my shit out.' And it's just really frustrating that it's come to this point. I'm not going to lie, even just a nice email back would be nice enough for me. I don't care if you don't want me, but just let me know. Lauren Levinson, junior at Northwestern University: 'I've been trying to compensate.' I definitely started my internship search way later than you're supposed to. Most people start in the fall, but I was abroad, so I didn't want to do that. My first application I submitted was in January. And I mean, honestly, I just didn't submit enough applications. Most of the jobs I applied to were research jobs at Northwestern and I actually don't think the [federal] funding cuts impacted it. I don't really know what the issue was, but I didn't get any of them. One just wasn't taking more assistance. I got feedback on one of my applications, which was really nice. They said I was really qualified, but they wanted more details. They were 'You were super qualified. We thought you would have made a really great candidate. But we wanted you to say in your cover letter more about how it would have impacted your career in the future.' So [I] didn't get that one, kind of a bummer, but I'm not surprised, because it included a paid trip to Columbia. I also applied to the summer internship grant program at Northwestern to get funding for unpaid internships. Didn't get that. That one I definitely think got funding cuts, and does kind of throw a wrench into my plans. But now I'm currently doing an internship at … a nonprofit health center for Spanish-speaking immigrants. I got that internship through Northwestern, but I really love them, and I've loved my time there. I'm probably going to stay on with [them] and do a summer there, but probably similar hours to what I'm doing now, part-time, so I can keep working my restaurant job and babysitting and actually making money. Right now, they give me a stipend, so I'm hoping to continue with that system, but I'm also nervous because they don't normally pay their summer interns. I've been trying to compensate. I'm applying to fellowships for next year for 2026-2027. I have to study for the LSAT. Even if I didn't get an internship, I would still have plenty to do. The final deadline for Fast Company's Brands That Matter Awards is Friday, May 30, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arden is an editorial intern at Fast Company, where she covers Gen Z, innovation, and technology. She is currently a junior at Northwestern University studying Journalism, Sociology, and Gender Studies. More
Business Insider
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Graduates are taking a closer look at smaller companies in a 'competitive' and 'scary' job market
The class of 2025 is taking a closer look at smaller companies. According to California-based career platform Handshake, more than a third of job applications from upcoming graduates have gone to companies with fewer than 250 employees. That's up from about a quarter of seniors two years ago. With preparing for college during the pandemic, a wave of mass layoffs, and the rise of artificial intelligence, this year's graduating class has faced more than its fair share of challenges. Now, they're trying to enter a job market showing significant cracks. While unemployment rates are relatively low, the number of job openings has been declining. Handshake said job postings on its platform were down 15% over the past year, while the number of applications per job had increased by 30%. The platform surveyed 2,871 students on bachelor's degree courses at 658 institutions and found 56% of students were either "somewhat" or "very" pessimistic about starting their careers in this economy. When asked how they felt overall about the job market, the one-word response used the most frequently was "competitive," followed by "difficult," "stressful," and "scary," Handshake said. That may be a fair assessment of the situation. As of March, the average student graduating this summer had submitted 21% more job applications on Handshake than their counterparts last year. In 2024, there was an average of 13.6 applications per student; this year, it was 16.5. Students are also reevaluating their goals. Of the 57% of graduates who started college with a "dream job" in mind, less than half have the same aim now. Location is more important to this class than salary, with 73% reporting they would be more likely to apply for a job in their desired location, and 63% saying they are more motivated by a high starting salary. Concern about the consequences of generative AI has also risen. Nearly 80% of graduating students expect to use AI in the workplace, but 62% are at least slightly concerned about how these tools will affect job prospects, compared with 44% just two years ago.
Annahar
20-05-2025
- Health
- Annahar
After Graduation… A Celebration or a Silent Struggle
You've handed in your final paper, passed your exams, taken your graduation pictures, and maybe even posted a proud 'I did it!' moment online. But now what? If you're a recent graduate—or about to be—this is for you. Because not everyone talks about what comes next: the emptiness, confusion, or anxiety that can quietly replace the excitement of graduation. This is called:Post-Graduation DepressionAnd yes—it's real, common, and okay to talk about. What Is Post-Graduation Depression? It's a period of emotional struggle that many students face after leaving university life. Suddenly, the structure, routine, and social network you once relied on are gone. You may find yourself questioning your path, doubting your abilities, or feeling stuck between 'student life' and the real world. Some common symptoms include: ●Feeling lost, unmotivated, or anxious ●Sleeping too much or too little ●Withdrawing from friends and family ●Struggling to find direction or purpose ●Feeling like everyone else has it figured out (spoiler: they don't) Let's Talk Numbers: This isn't just 'in your head.' Studies show it's a widespread issue: ●According to the American Psychological Association (APA), up to 45% of recent graduates experience symptoms of depression. ●A Handshake (2023) survey found that 67% of college seniors feel anxious about finding a job. ●Mind UK reports that 1 in 3 graduates struggle with mental health within the first year after graduation. ●The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reveals that 64% of young adults (ages 18–25) face some form of mental health challenge during the post-college transition. ●And 51% of graduates feel emotionally unprepared for life after university, according to HigherEdToday (2022). These aren't just numbers—they're students like you and me, trying to figure it all out. For Those Still in University… Yes, graduation is exciting. But it's also a major life shift. Preparing emotionally is just as important as preparing of it like this: You wouldn't enter an exam without studying. Why enter post-grad life without support and awareness? Here's what you can do now: ●Build a support network—stay connected to people you trust ●Explore different career paths without pressure to 'have it all figured out' ●Focus on your mental wellness, not just your resume ●Understand that it's okay if your journey looks different from others And If You're Already There—Already Feeling It... You are not alone. So many graduates feel exactly what you're feeling right are a few things that can help: 1. Don't isolate to someone—a friend, a mentor, or a counselor. You deserve support. 2. Create structure in your small goals (like waking up early, applying to one job, or reading a chapter) can rebuild momentum. 3. Be kind to okay not to land your dream job immediately. This phase is not a failure—it's growth. 4. Prioritize your well, move your body, take breaks from social media, and rest. Healing takes energy. 5. Redefine 'success.'Success is not always about income or titles. It's about learning, growing, and staying true to yourself. So whether you're celebrating your graduation or bracing yourself for what's next—remember: This phase doesn't define you. But how you care for yourself through it will shape made it this far. Keep going. One day, one small step at a time
Business Mayor
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
College grads face a 'tough and competitive' job market this year, expert says
A graduating student of the CCNY wears a message on his cap during the College's commencement ceremony. Mike Segar | Reuters New college graduates looking for work now are finding a tighter labor market than they expected even a few months ago. The unemployment rate for recent college grads reached 5.8% in March, up from 4.6% the same time a year ago, according to an April report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Job postings at Handshake, a campus recruiting platform, are down 15% over the past year, while the number of applications has risen by 30%. Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, says new grads are finding a 'tough and competitive' market. 'There's a lot of uncertainty and certainly a lot of competition for the current graduates that are coming into the job market,' she said. Here's a look at more stories on how to manage, grow and protect your money for the years ahead. How federal job cuts hurt the Class of 2025 While the job creation in the U.S. has continued to show signs of strength, policy changes have driven the uncertainty. President Donald Trump has frozen federal hiring and done mass firings of government workers. Evercore ISI, an investment bank, estimated earlier this month that 350,000 federal workers have been impacted by cuts from Department of Government Efficiency, representing roughly 15% of federal workers, with layoffs set to take effect over the coming months. 'In early January, the class of 2025 was on track to meet and even exceed the number of applications to federal government jobs,' Cruzvergara said. When the executive orders hit in mid-January there was 'a pretty steep decline all of a sudden, she said. 'The federal government is one of the largest employers in this country, and also one of the largest employers for entry-level employees as well,' said Loujaina Abdelwahed, senior economist at Revelio Labs, a workforce intelligence firm. Employment uncertainty related to tariffs, AI On-again, off-again tariff policies have created uncertainty for companies, with a third of chief executive officers in a recent CNBC survey expecting to cut jobs this year because of the import taxes. Job losses from artificial intelligence technology are also a concern. A majority, 62%, of the Class of 2025 are concerned about what AI will mean for their jobs, compared to 44% two years ago, according to a survey by Handshake. Graduates in the humanities and computer science are the most worried about AI's impact on jobs. 'I think it's more about a redefinition of the entry level than it is about an elimination of the entry level,' Cruzvergara said. Postings for jobs in hospitality, education services, and sales were showing monthly growth through March, according to Revelio Labs. But almost all industries, with the exception of information jobs, saw pullbacks in April. How to land a job in a tough market For new grads hunting for a job, experts advise keeping a positive mindset. 'Employers don't want to hire someone that they feel like is desperate or bitter or upset,' said Cruzvergara. 'They want to hire someone that still feels like there's a lot of opportunity, there's a lot of potential.' Here are two tactics that can help with your search: 1. Look at small firms — they may provide big opportunities Companies with fewer than 250 employees may offer better opportunities to grow and learn than bigger 'brand name' firms, according to Revelio Labs. A new study by Revelio found that five years into their careers, graduates had comparable salary progression, promotion timelines, and managerial prospects — regardless of the size of their first employer. However, people who started their careers at small companies were 1.5 times more likely to become founders of their own companies later in their careers. The study looked at individuals who earned bachelor's degrees in the U.S. between 2015 and 2022, following their career paths post-graduation. While some young workers may have entered start-ups with the goal of starting their own firm in the future, Abdelwahed said there's often an opportunity at smaller companies to be given responsibilities beyond the job's role. 'Because the company's small and the work needs to get done, so they just start to develop this entrepreneurship drive,' Abdelwahed said. 2. Network and use informational interviews Experts also urge recent grads to reach out to people working in industries that pique their interest. 'Take an interest in someone else. Ask them questions about how they got to where they are, what they've learned, what you should know about that particular industry, what are emerging trends or issues that are facing them in the field right now,' said Cruzvergara. This approach can help you sound more knowledgeable in the application and interviewing process. — CNBC's Sharon Epperson contributed reporting. SIGN UP: Money 101 is an 8-week learning course on financial freedom, delivered weekly to your inbox. Sign up here. It is also available in Spanish.
CNBC
16-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
College grads face a 'tough and competitive' job market this year, expert says
New college graduates looking for work now are finding a tighter labor market than they expected even a few months ago. The unemployment rate for recent college grads reached 5.8% in March, up from 4.6% the same time a year ago, according to an April report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Job postings at Handshake, a campus recruiting platform, are down 15% over the past year, while the number of applications has risen by 30%. Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, says new grads are finding a "tough and competitive" market. "There's a lot of uncertainty and certainly a lot of competition for the current graduates that are coming into the job market," she the job creation in the U.S. has continued to show signs of strength, policy changes have driven the uncertainty. President Donald Trump has frozen federal hiring and done mass firings of government workers. Evercore ISI, an investment bank, estimated earlier this month that 350,000 federal workers have been impacted by cuts from Department of Government Efficiency, representing roughly 15% of federal workers, with layoffs set to take effect over the coming months. "In early January, the class of 2025 was on track to meet and even exceed the number of applications to federal government jobs," Cruzvergara said. When the executive orders hit in mid-January there was "a pretty steep decline all of a sudden, she said. "The federal government is one of the largest employers in this country, and also one of the largest employers for entry-level employees as well," said Loujaina Abdelwahed, senior economist at Revelio Labs, a workforce intelligence firm. On-again, off-again tariff policies have created uncertainty for companies, with a third of chief executive officers in a recent CNBC survey expecting to cut jobs this year because of the import taxes. Job losses from artificial intelligence technology are also a concern. A majority, 62%, of the Class of 2025 are concerned about what AI will mean for their jobs, compared to 44% two years ago, according to a survey by Handshake. Graduates in the humanities and computer science are the most worried about AI's impact on jobs. "I think it's more about a redefinition of the entry level than it is about an elimination of the entry level," Cruzvergara said. Postings for jobs in hospitality, education services, and sales were showing monthly growth through March, according to Revelio Labs. But almost all industries, with the exception of information jobs, saw pullbacks in April. For new grads hunting for a job, experts advise keeping a positive mindset. "Employers don't want to hire someone that they feel like is desperate or bitter or upset," said Cruzvergara. "They want to hire someone that still feels like there's a lot of opportunity, there's a lot of potential." Here are two tactics that can help with your search: Companies with fewer than 250 employees may offer better opportunities to grow and learn than bigger "brand name" firms, according to Revelio Labs. A new study by Revelio found that five years into their careers, graduates had comparable salary progression, promotion timelines, and managerial prospects — regardless of the size of their first employer. However, people who started their careers at small companies were 1.5 times more likely to become founders of their own companies later in their careers. The study looked at individuals who earned bachelor's degrees in the U.S. between 2015 and 2022, following their career paths post-graduation. While some young workers may have entered start-ups with the goal of starting their own firm in the future, Abdelwahed said there's often an opportunity at smaller companies to be given responsibilities beyond the job's role. "Because the company's small and the work needs to get done, so they just start to develop this entrepreneurship drive," Abdelwahed said. Experts also urge recent grads to reach out to people working in industries that pique their interest. "Take an interest in someone else. Ask them questions about how they got to where they are, what they've learned, what you should know about that particular industry, what are emerging trends or issues that are facing them in the field right now," said Cruzvergara. This approach can help you sound more knowledgeable in the application and interviewing process.
