Orangeburg Graduates Face Job Market Challenges with Optimism and Preparation

Orangeburg Graduates Face Job Market Challenges with Optimism

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Excitement and uncertainty filled the air on Thursday as South Carolina State University celebrated its graduation ceremony. While graduates like Kyndel Walker proudly accepted their diplomas, they also recognized the challenges ahead in the competitive job market.

Who Are the Graduates?

Among the graduates, Kyndel Walker received his degree in Business Management and is set to become a management trainee with Enterprise. Walker expressed his sentiments on the job search process, highlighting the importance of being mentally prepared. “I think the job search was easy within itself, but the preparation for it was the difficult part—having to get your mental right and making sure you have your tools lined up after you leave here,” he stated.

Another graduate, Faith Davis, is still facing the tribulations of securing her first position. “My search has been good, but it’s been pretty hard trying to find an internship,” Davis remarked. Luckily, she found an opportunity through a classmate, showcasing the power of networking.

What Are Their Experiences?

Daniel Bowman described the job landscape as very competitive. “It’s really competitive. Everybody is looking for high education, and that’s why I tell all of my friends that it’s important to get their degrees,” Bowman added, grateful that he completed his education.

Prospects for the graduating class of 2024 look promising; experts indicate that current graduates are positioned well for employment. Joey Von Nessen, a research economist at the University of South Carolina, pointed to demographic shifts as a driving force. “The mass retirements of the Baby Boomers, which accelerated during the pandemic, have created many opportunities for younger workers,” he explained.

Why Is Experience Essential?

Von Nessen underscored the significance of internships or apprenticeships in bridging the gap to job opportunities. “Students who have access to those opportunities should absolutely pursue them, as they are the secret sauce to getting a job,” he advised.

Shadymia White, who interned with companies such as BMW, Toyota, and SC Works, concurs. “Honestly, it’s easier to get a job if you have an internship. If you don’t have one, it’s hard to promote yourself because employers will ask, ‘Where’s the experience?’” White noted, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in a competitive job landscape.

Outlook for the Future

Looking ahead, both graduates and job seekers in South Carolina have reasons to be optimistic. The combination of a strong labor market and a trend of retirements among older workers suggests a favorable climate for new graduates. Experts anticipate this robust labor market will continue into 2025, offering various opportunities to those willing to navigate the job landscape effectively.

As the graduates of South Carolina State University step into the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them lessons learned, experiences gained, and the resilience to thrive in a challenging job market. Their journey has just begun, but with determination and an open mind, they are positioned to carve out successful paths in their respective fields.