As graduation season approaches next semester, the atmosphere around Mercy University is filled with a blend of relief, pride, and a subtle layer of anxiety. Students walking through the hallways can’t help but think about what comes next. Four years of classes, internships, late night assignments, and early morning lectures are about to culminate in one defining moment stepping into the real world.
Stats proved from Micheal T wrote from Forbes Only 30% of 2025 college graduates and 41% of 2024 graduates found entry-level jobs in their fields, while 48% felt unprepared to apply for such positions, finds a new national report. So the stats have went lower this year and it has been much of a concern this year for lots of students. A lot of frustration and anxiety go though a college student and has them overthinking or worrying about the future for them.
To capture what many seniors are feeling, Michael, a business administration major only months away from graduating, shared his experience. He was seated in the campus café, working through a job application between classes, when the conversation began.
“It’s exciting but scary,” Michael admitted as he slowly stirred his coffee. “I’ve been applying to jobs in marketing, finance really anything related to my degree. But every time I hit ‘submit,’ I wonder if I’m actually ready for this next stage of life.”
Michael’s concerns echo through conversations across campus. Numerous students have described a similar balance of accomplishment and uncertainty. They celebrate finishing their degrees, yet remain unsure of what lies beyond commencement.
To help alleviate those worries, Mercy University’s Career and Professional Development Center offers students support with résumés, job searches, networking, and interview preparation. Staff members noted that as graduation draws closer, the number of seniors seeking guidance continues to rise. Michael has visited the center multiple times. “They helped me revise my résumé and even did a mock interview with me,” he said. “I walked out thinking, ‘Okay, I can actually do this.’”
Yet even with support, the realities of life after college continue to loom. Securing stable employment, covering living expenses, and managing responsibilities independently are challenges many students begin wrestling with long before they cross the graduation stage.
To prepare financially, Michael plans to move back home temporarily. “It’s the smart move for now, even if it’s not exactly the dream plan,” he said with a laugh. “It’s just a step toward where I want to be.”
Stories like his highlight an important truth , no one has everything figured out, and that’s completely normal. Life after graduation is less about having an immediate, perfect job and more about learning how to navigate new expectations while building a personal path forward.
When asked what advice he would give to incoming freshmen, Michael didn’t hesitate. “Figure out what you want to do before senior year. And don’t be afraid to ask for help from professors, advisors, anyone.”
As he gathered his things and left the café, a quiet smile spread across his face. Graduation may mark the end of one chapter, but for students like Michael, it represents the start of an entirely new journey one filled with possibilities, challenges, and the opportunity to shape a future on their own terms.
