Navigating the Post-Graduation Job Market: A Journey of Resilience and Reflection

Last December, I graduated from Stanford University with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in English. The culmination of years of hard work and dedication should have felt like a triumphant moment, yet here I am, over 100 job applications later, juggling three part-time jobs in one of the most expensive areas in the U.S. The constant uncertainty about my career path has left me questioning my choices and future.

The Job Search Begins

Three months before graduation, I embarked on the daunting application process. I cast a wide net, applying for roles in project management, marketing, UX design, and writing. Even entry-level positions at Big Tech companies were on my radar. I personalized nearly every résumé, crafted cover letters (mostly without the help of ChatGPT), conducted thorough company research, and prepared extensively for the few interviews I managed to secure.

Despite my efforts, the results were disheartening. I found myself grappling with the reality of being a recent graduate in a competitive job market, still unsure of my next steps.

The Complications of International Status

One significant hurdle in my job search has been my international status. Currently in the U.S. on a student visa extension known as Optional Practical Training (OPT), I have a limited timeframe to secure employment. I could legally work for one year without needing visa sponsorship, but I had to find a job within 60 days of my OPT starting. As the clock ticked down, panic set in. The fear of being sent home loomed large.

In a moment of vulnerability, I confided in a friend about my struggles. They showed me their company’s website, an AI startup, and I thought to myself, "I could write copy better than this." That thought became my pitch to the CEO. A week and two rounds of interviews later, I was hired as their first marketing intern.

The Internship Experience

The three months I spent at my first job flew by in a whirlwind of new experiences. I was thrust into the fast-paced world of tech, AI, B2B, and a slew of acronyms that felt overwhelming. Despite my manager’s verbal assurances, I knew the startup wouldn’t be able to hire me full-time, and my instincts were confirmed.

Once my internship ended, I faced the reality of returning to the job search, with the pressure of my OPT clock still ticking. After allowing myself a day to grieve the loss of my position, I dove back into the cycle of applications. I subscribed to numerous job boards, followed Gen Z career influencers on LinkedIn, and reached out to senior tech writers for advice. Their words echoed in my mind: "The economy is bad. This is not your fault."

Embracing Creativity Amidst Uncertainty

One piece of advice from a career blog resonated deeply with me: to create, write, and document my journey publicly. I started a TikTok account, branding myself as a "non-techie in tech," sharing my job search experiences. I also began posting on LinkedIn, where one of my posts about the challenges of job hunting gained unexpected traction.

Currently, my three part-time jobs barely keep me afloat, but they allow me to maintain my legal status in the U.S. I leverage my Stanford admission to help students with their college essays as a freelancer, serve as an essay editor for an EdTech company, and contribute as a copywriter for an AI startup.

The Emotional Toll of Job Searching

Over the past six months, I have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions: bursts of motivation, excitement about potential positions, and the inevitable disheartenment that follows each rejection. The hardest conversations have been with my family, who worry about my future. I try to reassure them with small victories, but they remain unaware of the depth of my fatigue and quiet shame.

I often find myself questioning the value of my eight years in the U.S. What was the purpose of my degrees if I couldn’t secure a full-time position that would allow me to escape debt?

Finding Hope in Storytelling

In moments of frustration, I joke about unemployment on social media and commiserate with fellow Stanford graduates facing similar challenges. However, as my rent consumes my savings and my health insurance expires, anxiety and depression creep in. For the past month, I’ve paused my job applications, feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of starting again with only six months left before needing a company to sponsor my work visa.

Amidst the stress of finances and immigration, I’ve lost sight of why I pursued two English degrees in the first place: to read critically, write thoughtfully, and, above all, to create and tell stories. I’m striving to reconnect with that passion, even in these challenging times.

Conclusion

The journey from graduation to finding meaningful employment is fraught with challenges, especially for recent graduates navigating a complex job market. My experience underscores the importance of resilience, creativity, and community support. While the road ahead remains uncertain, I hold onto the hope that my story, like many others, will eventually lead to a fulfilling career.