THE DEGREE IN HER HANDS,BUT WHERE IS THE JOB? THE UNTOLD STRUGGLE OF YOUNG GRADUATE

Graduation is often one of the happiest moments in a student’s life. After years of attending classes, completing assignments and working towards a qualification, the expectation is that better opportunities will follow. For many graduates, it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with hopes of employment, financial independence and the ability to give back to the families who supported them.But what happens when the graduation celebrations are over and the job opportunities do not come?For Vani, a Business Administration graduate from Jordan College, life after completing her studies has not unfolded as she had hoped. Like many young graduates, she entered the next chapter of her life with the expectation of securing employment and becoming financially independent. Instead, she has found herself facing one of the most frustrating challenges many graduates experience: finding a job.

The Endless Search for Employment

Securing employment has been Vani’s biggest challenge since graduating. Despite making numerous job applications, she has yet to receive the opportunity she has been hoping for.For a graduate who has spent years preparing for the professional world, sending out applications without receiving positive responses can be exhausting. Each application carries the hope that it might finally lead to an interview or a job offer. However, when the responses do not come, the excitement of searching for employment can slowly turn into frustration.Vani’s experience reflects the difficulties faced by many young people entering an increasingly competitive job market. Having an academic qualification is an important achievement, but it does not always guarantee an immediate opportunity to put that knowledge into practice.

When Unemployment Becomes a Family Struggle

Beyond the disappointment of unsuccessful job applications, unemployment has also affected Vani’s personal and financial life.She explained that she has been struggling financially and currently depends on her family for support. For her, this is not simply about lacking money. It is also an emotional challenge because she feels that she should be in a position to support her family rather than continue depending on them.This expectation can be difficult for a graduate who has worked towards independence and hoped to contribute to the household after completing her education.There is often an assumption that once someone graduates, they are ready to take responsibility for their future and begin supporting those who helped them along the way. But when employment remains out of reach, those expectations can become a source of pressure.

Vani’s experience shows that unemployment affects more than an individual’s career. It can also influence their sense of independence, confidence and responsibility towards their loved ones.

The Disappointment Behind Rejection Letters

Job searching requires patience, but repeated rejection can make the journey emotionally demanding.Vani admitted that she has experienced moments of discouragement, particularly after making several applications without receiving positive responses. Sometimes, instead of receiving an opportunity, she has only received rejection letters.For many graduates, such experiences can be difficult to process. After investing time, effort and resources in education, the hope is to find an employer willing to recognise their qualifications and abilities.Receiving one rejection after another can leave a person questioning what more they need to do to secure an opportunity.However, despite these disappointments, the search for employment remains an important part of Vani’s journey.

Creating Opportunities Beyond Formal Employment

While waiting for formal employment opportunities, Vani has also explored other ways of earning an income.Rather than depending entirely on job applications, she has ventured into small business activities, including selling jewellery and beauty products.These activities provide an alternative way of engaging in business while continuing to pursue her career ambitions. They also demonstrate that the journey towards financial independence does not always have to follow one particular path.For many young graduates, entrepreneurship and small businesses can offer an opportunity to put their initiative into practice, interact with customers and gain experience outside formal employment.

Although running a business comes with its own challenges, exploring such opportunities can help graduates remain active while working towards their long-term goals

Learning skills beyond the classroom

The period after graduation has not only been about searching for employment. It has also presented opportunities for personal development.Vani identified communication and organisational skills as some of the important abilities she has gained during this period.Communication skills are essential in building relationships, interacting with customers and expressing ideas effectively. Organisational skills, on the other hand, help with planning activities, managing responsibilities and making better use of available time.These abilities are valuable in different working environments, whether in formal employment or entrepreneurship.Her experience is a reminder that learning does not end when someone leaves college. Life beyond the classroom continues to present situations that require individuals to develop new abilities and adapt to different circumstances.

These abilities are valuable in different working environments, whether in formal employment or entrepreneurship.Her experience is a reminder that learning does not end when someone leaves college. Life beyond the classroom continues to present situations that require individuals to develop new abilities and adapt to different circumstances.

A Degree Is an Achievement, But the Journey Continues

For Vani, completing Business Administration at Jordan College was an important milestone. Like many graduates, she hoped that the qualification would open doors to employment and financial independence.However, her experience shows that the transition from education to the world of work can be more difficult than many people anticipate.Behind the job applications and rejection letters is a young graduate trying to find her place, manage financial challenges and create opportunities even when the expected path has not worked out.Her decision to explore small business activities while continuing to seek employment reflects the determination to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.Vani’s story is a reminder that a graduation certificate does not automatically guarantee a job. For many young people, the real challenge begins after graduation, when they must turn their education into opportunities and work towards the future they have always imagined.The degree is already in her hands. The opportunity she hopes for is still ahead.