Fear of unemployment after graduation?

As the day of graduation draws near, the perennial question of “what comes next” looms ever larger in the minds of students. Amidst the backdrop of today’s economic uncertainties and external variables, the prospect of employment after graduation can seem like a daunting riddle. It’s only natural for students to harbor concerns about their impending transition into the professional world. To shed light on this matter, I interviewed Patrick Marburger, currently in his final semester of a Master’s program in Political Science.

What worries you about career prospects after graduation?

Patrick: I am deeply concerned about the scarcity of entry-level opportunities for young professionals in the job market, particularly in the Swiss employment landscape, which is grappling with inflation and broader economic challenges. Additionally, I’ve discovered that university graduates may not be as appealing to potential employers as I had initially believed.

How has this concern already affected your professional and personal life decisions?

Patrick: As of now, my personal life remains unaffected, but the looming specter of uncertain job prospects has taken a toll on my general well-being, causing anxiety. Like any graduate, the last thing I want is to face unemployment post-graduation.

Have you encountered any common misconceptions or prevailing beliefs about unemployment after graduation, and how have these beliefs affected your confidence in your job search?

Patrick: One common misconception is the high demand for graduates, even in major cities. Through conversations with peers from various faculties, I’ve come to realize that the challenges young professionals face after graduation are considered a standard part of the journey, except perhaps for those in the Faculty of Medicine. Graduates with vocational baccalaureate certificates from universities of applied sciences often face fewer barriers to entry and enjoy similar opportunities for securing good positions as university graduates.

What steps have you taken or considered taking to address your fear of unemployment and improve your prospects in the competitive job market?

Patrick: I’m contemplating the prospect of working abroad, where job opportunities are more plentiful and the internship model is more accessible. This would allow me to gain valuable work experience, which, in turn, might make finding a job in Zurich more feasible down the line.

How did your university prepare you for the transition from academic life to the professional world, and what measures do you think could be taken to allay your concerns about your career prospects?

Patrick: In terms of preparation, my university’s efforts were limited. While there were some events that allowed me to connect with potential employers, they felt rather distant and resembled lectures more than practical experiences. To ease this transition, universities could enhance communication and career development opportunities during the Bachelor’s program. Workshops conducted by HR experts, guidance on the concept of “job hopping,” and facilitating exciting, relevant internships would be instrumental. Moreover, my faculty’s stringent credit requirements for internships posed a significant challenge that restricted my participation.

Would you consider a different degree program in the future or place more emphasis on improving your resume?

Patrick: Absolutely. I’d consider adopting a different approach, focusing on “job hopping” by transitioning to a new position annually to enhance the appeal of my resume. I might also shift my academic focus towards economics and data analytics, or even contemplate pursuing a more general degree program, such as business administration, to improve my job prospects.