Graduating college feels like reaching the finish line—only to realize it’s actually the starting line of an entirely new race. We’re told that a degree is the key to launching our careers, but what no one warns us about is how it can feel like your degree doesn’t matter. In fields like media and marketing, where competition is high, having a degree isn’t always enough—you’re suddenly one of hundreds, all competing for the same opportunities, trying to prove that you have more to offer than just a line on your resume.
I currently work part-time in marketing as a project manager—a role I actually landed through LinkedIn, which I’m incredibly grateful for. It’s given me valuable experience, but after a year, I’m eager to transition into something full-time. I assumed LinkedIn would be the best place to find new opportunities, but the reality is… it’s far from perfect. So many applications feel like they disappear into a void, and it’s discouraging knowing that many companies don’t even look at your application, let alone your resume.
The Reality of Job Boards
Job boards are meant to make the job search easier, but instead, they often feel like a broken system. With hundreds (if not thousands) of applicants for a single role, it’s easy to feel like your application gets lost. Some job postings sit open for months, others disappear without explanation, and most of the time, you never hear back at all.
It’s a process that feels impersonal and unfair. Qualified candidates get overlooked because of automated filters, and the lack of transparency makes it impossible to know where you stand. Are companies still reviewing applications? Was the role even real or a scam? The uncertainty can make job searching feel like an endless loop of applying, waiting, and wondering.
“Entry-Level” Positions
One of the most frustrating parts of a job search is the expectations for “entry-level” positions. How is a job entry-level if it requires 2-5 years of experience? The term has lost its meaning. It feels like companies want fresh graduates with the experience of seasoned professionals, but without offering the stepping stones to get there. How am I supposed to gain experience if no one will give me a chance? It’s a paradox that so many people, like me, are caught in and it makes the search feel impossible.
Not Everyone’s Path Looks the Same
Supposedly, the path from college to career is straightforward: graduate, get a job, start your dream career. But for many of us, that’s not the case. Plenty of people don’t end up working in their field of study, and even those who do, often question why they studied what they studied when they aren’t able to find a job in that field.
Personally, I had unrealistic expectations about how quickly I’d land a full-time job after graduation. College professors made it seem like securing a job would be a natural next step, but in reality, the transition has been anything but simple. Granted, I went to college during the COVID-19 pandemic, which changed the job market in ways we’re still feeling today. Even with internships and a general idea of what I wanted, I’ve had to adjust my expectations and embrace the uncertainty.
Keep Going
It’s easy to feel discouraged when it seems like everyone else is landing their dream job right out of college or have an amazing connection that gets them where they want to be. But the truth is, most careers don’t follow a perfect path. Comparison only makes the journey harder. Everyone’s timeline looks different, and figuring things out along the way is just part of the process.
ZOE KENNEDY 