‘Tough market’: 21yo struggles to find a job after university

A young Aussie has revealed the “hard” reality of trying to find a job after university.

Despite having a business degree, Mikayla Beasley has found it “extremely difficult” to snag a job after graduating.

The Australian Bureau of Statics (ABS) reported that in 2023, 85 per cent of 15-74-year-olds with a non-school qualification such as a degree, diploma, or certificate were employed full-time.

The odds might be in Ms Beasley’s favour, but that doesn’t make her reality any easier, especially because she’s been searching for months.

The 21-year-old graduated from Monash University in 2023 with a business degree. She works at a health food store and as a nanny while trying to launch her career.

Ms Beasley said she’s finding it hard to find a job because she did a “broad degree” and isn’t sure what she wants to do with the rest of her life.

“Finding internships and graduate programs is so hard. Getting even a first-round interview is so hard,” she told news.com.au.

The 21-year-old is trying to find a graduate job. Picture: TikTok/ mikaylabeasley

She's working two jobs at the moment. Picture: TikTok/ mikaylabeasley

After Ms Beasley graduated, she immediately started applying for graduate roles – but nothing worked out.

“I couldn’t find many grad roles that were marketing, media or management based, and if I did, they were extremely competitive, and I was unsuccessful,” she said.

“Now after working a year full time in two jobs, I’m ready to get some experience and find a role for next year.”

The Gen Zer is hyper-aware of how “filtered” and “fake” social media can be, and she’s been sharing her realistic job search online.

“I got up at midday, had a coffee, opened my laptop, and went on SEEK. Trying to find a job finishing university last year and I’m bored,” she admitted.

She's been looking since last year. Picture: TikTok/ mikaylabeasley

She's super keen to start her career. Picture: TikTok/ mikaylabeasley

She then shared the rest of her day which was comfortingly mundane – she got a parking ticket, went to the gym, hung out with her dad.

She decided to be transparent about her job search and daily life while she waits to start a career because she noticed how common it is for people to talk up about their working lives on social media.

She wanted to create content that countered that.

“People definitely brag and post about how much they work, but I think they key to note is they post only when they work,” Ms Beasley said.

“They wouldn’t show their day off while sitting in bed all day, or being unproductive. I think I’ve been on social media for a while and I know people only post the highlights, because they think that’s only what others would be interested in.”

Ms Beasley’s content has been a hit with young people, who rejoiced at her being open and honest about her experience.

“Thank God I’m not the only one this made me feel normal thanks so much girl,” one wrote.

“Couldn’t relate to this more,” another admitted.

“I’m 21 and in the same boat,” someone else wrote.

“Finally something realistic! So refreshing,” another posted.

She is looking for a job she’s excited to start. Picture: TikTok/ mikaylabeasley

Ms Beasley joked online that she was looking for a job that was fun but not too hard.

The statement might sound bold but she explained that what she really meant was that she didn’t want to end up working somewhere that wasn’t the right fit.

“When I said I was looking for a job that wasn’t hard but was fun, I was talking more about the field of work,” she clarified.

“So many graduate programs advertised are for accounting, statistics and finance. All of which I’m not interested it.

“Graduating with a double major in marketing and management, I’m looking for something extremely hands-on and challenging, but in a fun and exciting way.”

Head of people and culture at Employment Hero Liam D’Ortenzio previously told news.com.au the Aussie job market has “shifted” for job seekers in the past few years.

“Gen Z and millennials are especially competing for employment in a very tough market,” Mr D’Ortenzio said.

“When it comes to their expectations and values, today’s job market is more diverse than ever. “Let’s add to that heady mix: a global pandemic, a war in Europe, and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis across the world. It’s fair to say that job seekers are coping with a unique set of challenges finding employment,” he said.

Mr D’Ortenzio said the current landscape for job seekers has changed.

“While prior years saw a candidate-driven market, the current landscape indicates a tilt towards employer dominance. But this doesn’t mean that job seekers are powerless,” he said.

“Use this time to upskill and differentiate yourself from the crowd. Be proactive in learning about employer expectations and workplace trends.”

Originally published as ‘Tough market’: 21yo struggles to find a job after university