Facing the Job Market Struggles: What Student-Athletes Need to Know About the Value of a Degree

For many recent graduates, stepping out of college and into their first job is a much harder transition than expected. Take Maggie Chen, for example, a computer science graduate who’s faced ghosting and constant rejection in her job search. This is a reality for a growing number of student-athletes who thought their degree would guarantee them a shot at a career. But now, many are questioning if their degree is really enough to land that dream job.

The unemployment rate for college graduates ages 22 to 27 has risen to 5.3%, up from 4.4% last year, signaling a challenging job market for young professionals. Despite putting in the work on and off the field, many student-athletes find themselves competing against more experienced candidates, which often makes landing an entry-level position feel like a bigger challenge than anticipated.

Especially in industries like tech, finance, and consulting—where many grads, including student-athletes, hope to launch their careers—entry-level job openings have dropped by 33% since 2015. Meanwhile, companies are hiring more experienced workers, and AI tools are increasingly filling tasks once handled by entry-level employees. For student-athletes who might be used to the structure of sports but are now navigating this uncertain landscape, it’s tough to break into roles that once seemed like a natural fit.

For some, this shift means rethinking career plans. Take Katie Donivan, a journalism grad who thought she would jump straight into media after graduation. After facing setbacks, Donivan pivoted and is now applying for roles in marketing and PR. Even though she’s not following her original plan, Donivan is taking it in stride and using tools like AI to get ahead, acknowledging that those who don’t adapt might get left behind.

What’s important for student-athletes to take away from all this is that the traditional path to success is changing. Many are finding that a degree alone might not be enough to land the job they want. Instead, they’re exploring internships, freelancing, and even trade jobs that offer quicker financial independence and growth.

As the job market evolves, it’s clear that student-athletes may need to rethink their strategies for entering the workforce. Whether it’s being open to new career opportunities, taking on internships, or embracing skills outside of what they learned in college, the key to success may not lie in just having a degree—it could also be about staying flexible, adaptable, and willing to explore new paths.