For decades, a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. was widely seen as a dependable key to career stability and upward mobility. But the landscape has shifted dramatically. Recent graduates are encountering a labour market where what once counted no longer suffices. According to the article, unemployment and under-employment among degree holders aged 22–27 have climbed, even as overall employment rates remain seemingly stable.

Entry-level jobs—the traditional first rung on the career ladder—are shrinking. Employers increasingly expect experience before hiring, and many tasks once performed by fresh grads are now automated or required in interns themselves. The rise of artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty and credential inflation are contributing to this disconnect between education and employment. The value of the degree is being eroded as more graduates compete for fewer relevant jobs, while many end up in roles that don’t require their qualifications.

For students, educators and policymakers, the message is clear: degrees alone do not guarantee success anymore. Adaptability, relevant skills, hands-on experience and perhaps alternative pathways are becoming essential. The system is at a crossroads—unless graduates align more closely with market needs, they risk starting their careers burdened with education debt and limited returns.