By: Julia Mulry

Our "new normal," as many are deeming it, amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic is taking shape across all facets of life. As some industries fail to make ends meet, others cannot keep up with the surge of public demand. How do these factors in the changing world effect graduates of the Class of 2020 looking to enter the workforce for the first time?

The Fleeting Job Opportunities

"I had a lot of potential opportunities prior to spring break," said Ryan Harloff, '20 at Loyola University Maryland. "I'm now either not hearing back from companies, or just being told that the positions are no longer available."

It's no surprise that while the country is at a stand-still many companies are, as well, in terms of hiring. But as the pandemic continues and "business-as-usual" will be online for the forceable future, many of these interviews and jobs will have to move to a virtual capacity.

The Online Interview

Typically the precursor to an in-person interview was the commonly held Skype interview, reserved for students who could not make it into the office due to college campus locations or study abroad opportunities. In this age of technology, connecting via audio and face-to-face web servers is possible, and will likely replace to formal interview as the state of the country unfolds.

"I feel fortunate that we have the option for virtual interviews in today's society," said Kaela Milewski, '20. "But I do wonder what will come of them."

The Uncertain Market

While companies have the option to interview candidates virtually, how will these roles transpire? Will virtual introductions and training replace the in-person learning curve? Or will companies continue to freeze their hiring until lockdowns are lifted and the economy begins to right itself?

"It's scary to think that we're graduating into such an uncertain job market," said Milewski. "Public health is always the first and foremost concern, but with no end in sight to the current pandemic, it's difficult to know how to handle planning the next chapter of our lives."

Jennifer Spillane, '20 and Reed Nation, '20, discuss their views on entering the changing landscape of the job market:

The Optimistic Future

Nonetheless, companies with availabilities are able to post such on platforms such as LinkedIn or Indeed. Fortunately, some companies are still hiring for those dependent on a paycheck. However for college graduate looking to enter their field of study, it may take more time and certainty to land their role of interest, and a bit more patience in planning.

"I've been looking for remote opportunities on LinkedIn almost everyday," commented Harloff. "I'm happy to see some companies in my field offering online opportunities and just continue to stay optimistic about the future."