Lately, the panic about graduating next year has started to set in. Instead of studying, I’ve spent hours scrolling on Handshake, Indeed and stalking other people’s LinkedIn accounts to see what jobs or internships are available. Since high school, I’ve been willing to work a minimum wage job, but starting in April 2026, I must find something that actually provides payment for rent, groceries and utilities.

The job search hasn’t been easy. The first college journalism internship for which I applied rejected me, stating that I did not have enough experience. A year later, after working at the Pitt News and taking writing classes, the response was the same. Since this particular internship was marketed for college students, one would think it would be expected to be more entry-level. After all, aren’t these internships intended to provide experience for impending careers? Seriously, how are students supposed to gain experience if no job will provide the opportunity?

This catch-22 situation is a major problem in the workforce, as entry levels are beginning to require several years of experience. Many online guides will recommend volunteer positions, freelance work, job shadowing or, my personal favorite — unpaid internships. 

In 2024, 21.5% of college students completed an internship, of which 40% were unpaid. With paid internships, the average salary is $35,237 a year as compared to the average salary of $58,260 for entry-level jobs. I am currently completing an unpaid internship this semester, which is manageable since it’s only a few hours a week, and I have an on-campus job to pay for my expenses. Unfortunately, I did have to decline another unpaid internship this summer. While it would’ve been a great opportunity, it entailed commuting into the city every day. That, plus the additional transportation costs involved, rendered the internship too costly to pursue. 

My situation lends itself to a larger issue that demands change. A barrier to employment should not exist if one does not have the financial means to take an unpaid internship, volunteer or freelance. Paid internships are hard to come by, and when offered, the compensation is normally minimum wage or slightly above. Students who are unable to obtain the experience companies require should not be penalized.

After graduation, a student starts a job that may lead to a career and enable them to live independently for the first time. Since I am graduating early, I am likely going to take a gap year before attending law school. My two goals are to save money and to work somewhere that will give me meaningful experience. The possibility for such a job looks bleak. The requirements are not attainable — I certainly do not have 3-5 years of office experience, I haven’t worked in the legal field and I don’t have extensive knowledge of Python code. 

If entry-level jobs require this much experience for college graduates, how is anyone ever supposed to find employment? A business insider report found that 35% of entry-level jobs require at least three years of experience. A Forbes report shows that companies are leaning towards employees trained in AI but are struggling to hire as they can’t find candidates to fill those positions. This requirement is not only negatively affecting the new college graduates, but impeding the companies themselves. 

Companies are losing qualified candidates who are excited to join the workforce for the first time because of the unnecessary job requirements that students cannot meet in the first place. While college graduates may need additional guidance in their positions, there is no alternative that enables them to build skills without a first opportunity. As companies shift toward remote work, managers are seeking strong, independent candidates instead of those who need more support. New employees can bring a fresh perspective which enhances a company’s potential. By lowering the entry-level requirements, companies gain more employees and a larger pool of candidates which will benefit them and newcomers. 

Job markets must reconsider what an entry-level position entails. College graduates are eager to find employment, and job opportunities should make this attainable. Finding the right applicant and the right opportunity is the best outcome for any company. Young people are willing to learn and grow. With the correct guidance, new hires have the potential to invigorate and complement a work environment. Companies will benefit from a mixture of experience and youthful enthusiasm — the workplace becomes a place of vibrant potential as opposed to one with reluctance to grow and improve.

If you really like this article, you can offer Emma Hannan a job at [email protected].