Student Job Report Recap: What’s Actually Waiting After Graduation

Congratulations Class of 2025! Whether you’re tossing your cap this spring or still grinding through your last finals, you’ve made it this far, and that’s a big deal. But now comes the part no one really preps you for: the job search. And spoiler alert- expectations and reality don’t always match up.

From Diploma to Day Job: Inside the Latest Student Job Report

ZipRecruiter just dropped their Annual Grad Report and we are here to break down the biggest takeaways we think every soon-to-be or just-graduated job seeker should know (plus what you can actually do about it).

Most grads think their major is super useful... until they hit the job market.

73% of rising grads feel good about their major choice, saying it's "very useful" for them. But once they're actually job hunting? That number drops to 64% post graduation. So if you’re having second thoughts about your degree, you’re not alone.

Job hunting takes longer than expected.

82% of students think they’ll be working within 3 months of graduation. In reality? Only 77% made that deadline, and 5% are still jobless a year later. But don’t panic if it takes time! Keep applying and keep adapting. In the meantime, use job apps like Juvo Jobs to secure a part-time job until you get your dream position.

Internships aren’t the magic bullet.

Almost 40% of students expect internships to land them a job, yet, only 10% of recent grads say that actually happened. So, yes- internships can help, but don’t put all your eggs into that one resume line.

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"Not every grad lands their dream job right out of school—and that’s okay. At Juvo, we’re here for the in-between. Whether you need something flexible while you’re still applying to corporate roles, or, just want to earn money doing meaningful work nearby, we’ve got your back. Your first job doesn’t have to be forever—it just has to work for right now."

 — Debbie Emery, Co-Founder and CSO at Juvo Jobs

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Salary expectations are ambitious

The average expected salary? $101K. The actual average salary for recent grads? $68K. Oof. Inflation is real, but so is the learning curve. Negotiate when you can, but know it’s normal to start somewhere and build from there.

Remote work dreams vs. on-site reality

Most grads want flexibility: remote days, no micromanagers, some work-life balance... Yet, over a third of new workers are 100% back on-site, and only 29% say their schedule is truly “very flexible.” The key: show your value early, earn trust, and then ask for what you need.

Soft skills still matter.

Employers aren’t just scanning for degrees; they’re looking for innovation, communication, flexibility, and collaboration. (Sound familiar? That’s you when you’re hyping up your group project team at 1 a.m.)

The Class of 2025 Job Report- The Big Picture

Life after college isn't always what you pictured, but there's plenty of potential waiting. Start your job search early. Keep your expectations grounded (but still hopeful). And remember: your first job doesn’t define your whole career.

At Juvo Jobs, we’re all about helping real people land real jobs! No resume black holes, no endless scrolling, just local opportunities, right where you are.

Download the Juvo Jobs app and get seen by employers who actually want to hire you. Remember, you’re more than a GPA or a job title—you’re the future of the workforce, and you’ve got this!

Student Job Report