Life after graduation can often be a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Many are wondering – what will the lives of those graduating in the Class of 2025 look like?

It will likely be challenging, with opportunities to grow. Stress and uncertainty are part of the process. Inside Higher Ed shared the National Association of College and Employers’ study, which found that seven in ten current students feel stressed about their post-graduation plans. The central themes of their stress came from facing fierce job market competition and mounting student loans.

EMPLOYERS ARE HIRING MORE GRADS THIS YEAR

The good news? Employers are hiring more graduates this year than before. Last year, many employers were avoiding hiring recent grads. For 2025, they say they’ll be hiring 7.3% more recent grads than they did for the Class of 2024.

Overall, compared to last year, this is looking like a healthier job market. Salaries have been going up since 2022, and the STEM fields still remain the strongest for high salaries for 2025 grads, with engineering starting salaries exceeding $82,000. Majors like finance, computer science, and accounting are particularly attractive to employers, and business administration and information sciences are hot on their heels. If you’re in these fields – or considering pivoting into them – you are in a good position.

For those outside the highest-paying or most in-demand fields, it’s worth thinking creatively about how to position yourself. Many employers value transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Building connections, honing your personal brand, and leveraging internships can help you carve out opportunities in a competitive market. Remember, salary trends and hiring data are helpful guides, but they shouldn’t be the only factor helping you decide what’s right for you.’

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