Orangeburg Graduates Navigate Job Market Challenges and Opportunities

Orangeburg Graduates Face Challenges and Opportunities in Job Market

Orangeburg, S.C. — South Carolina State University celebrated its graduation ceremony on Thursday where students proudly received their diplomas and prepared for the next chapter of their lives. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of achievement, yet many graduates were acutely aware of the challenges ahead in a competitive job market.

Transitioning into the Workforce

Kyndel Walker, who graduated with a degree in Business Management, is gearing up to begin his career as a management trainee with Enterprise. He shared insights into the job search process, emphasizing that while looking for a job can be straightforward, the mental preparation is often more difficult. “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,” Walker noted. He encouraged fellow graduates to maintain an open mind in their job hunts, saying, “Broaden your horizons. Don’t just settle for one thing. It’s a big world out there—go for it.”

Ongoing Job Search Challenges

Other graduates expressed the hurdles they faced in securing positions. Faith Davis, for example, described her internship search as quite challenging. “My search has been good, but it’s been pretty hard trying to find an internship. By the grace of God, I was introduced to one by a classmate,” Davis explained. Daniel Bowman echoed the sentiment by highlighting the competitive nature of the job market. “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,” he said, expressing satisfaction in having completed his studies.

Experts Weigh In on Employment Landscape

Despite the apparent difficulties graduates face, experts paint a more optimistic picture for the class of 2024. Joey Von Nessen, a research economist at the University of South Carolina, emphasized that the current job market is strong, fueled by the ongoing retirement of Baby Boomers. “Graduates today are in a very good position because we are currently seeing a historically strong job market,” Von Nessen stated. The accelerated retirements during the pandemic have translated into numerous job openings for younger workers, presenting a silver lining for the recent graduates.

The Importance of Experience

Von Nessen highlighted the significance of gaining practical experience through internships or apprenticeships. “Internships and apprenticeships are very important for connecting students to job opportunities,” he advised, encouraging students to pursue such experiences. For many graduates, like Shadymia White, internships have been pivotal in landing job offers. White, who completed internships with over three reputable companies including BMW and Toyota, shared her perspective: “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?’”

A Promising Outlook

Overall, for graduates and job seekers in South Carolina, the future appears bright, with a robust labor market expected to continue into 2025. As they transition into the workforce, graduates remain hopeful, equipping themselves with education, experience, and an adaptable mindset as they confront the evolving job landscape.