Being a recent graduate means life is one part celebration (Woo-hoo! You’re done with textbooks for life!). Then you realize, for maybe the first time, that you don’t know where you’ll be from September to May. Now what? The pressure to get a professional job, one that requires a college degree, is on.
Why getting an entry-level job after graduation is so tough
As a graduate, you’re not just competing with other graduates for jobs, you’re competing with the entire job market. It can be difficult to stand out in a crowded and competitive field, especially if you don’t have much professional experience. That’s why some graduates struggle to break into the professional sector even though they have the educational requirements.
Underemployment among graduates
One study shows that 52% of graduates are underemployed—working jobs that do not require a college degree such as office support, retail, hospitality, construction, transportation, and manufacturing—a year after graduation. After a decade, 45% of graduates remain underemployed.
The risk of remaining underemployed as a graduate
Unemployed or underemployed graduates can fall behind their peers financially. They typically earn 33% less than their college-level employed peers. Over time, that lack of earning power compounds.
When you have student loan debt to repay, remaining underemployed can jeopardize your financial well-being now and in the future. Taking longer to pay off your debt means you end up paying more, sacrificing other goals like saving for a home, starting a family, or travelling.
Why finding an entry-level job after graduation is critical
Research shows that 79% of graduates who start out in a college-level job remain in a college-level position five years after graduation. That’s why your first job out of college is so important. Having an internship during school can improve your chances of getting a professional job after graduation.
Why you should consider a graduate training program for your first job
Instead of applying for just any entry-level job after graduation, look for jobs that double as training programs and are specifically geared toward recent graduates. These programs help you develop your skill set and professional network and are limited to recent graduates versus being open to the general market.
Graduate training programs can give you essential experience in and outside your major, helping you to establish a track record of performance you can use to launch your career.
Why you should apply to Fidelity’s career development programs for graduates
Even if your major isn’t related to finance or business, you should give an entry-level career development program at Fidelity a chance. Here’s why:
- You’ll do meaningful work that helps people achieve their financial goals.
- You’ll work in a stable, yet fast-paced, growing industry for a private company that believes in diversity and inclusion and is focused on career growth and development.
- You’ll be challenged to think critically, solve problems creatively, and bring innovative ideas to the table every day.
- You’ll deepen your skill set with formal training as well as informal coaching and mentorship.
- You’ll build a lasting professional network with a cohort of peers as well as experienced leaders in the firm.
- You’ll work in a fun, collaborative environment with best-in-class amenities while maintaining a work/life balance.
- Our extensive benefits meet you where you’re at in your career and your life, especially when you’re just starting out, with no-cost mental health benefits, up to $15,000 for eligible full-time associates and up to $7,500 for eligible part-time associates, as well as a 7% contribution match on your 401(k)*.
Explore Fidelity’s career development programs for graduates
Read highlights of a few of the job-training programs we offer, so you can determine which one is best for you, your background, and your career goals.
