HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s graduation season, and that means a new generation will soon join the workforce, but experts said there’s some uncertainty and new graduates should temper their expectations.
“I think the job market right now, the economy right now, it’s a little scary,” Quentin Shores said.
Shores is a senior at the University of Hawaii Manoa who will soon be graduating with his Bachelors in Communications.
Though he is excited, he said navigating the shifting career landscape is daunting.
“We don’t really know what we’re going into. Compared to other generations, who may have had it a little bit easier. We are in a position where things are very, very uncertain,” Shores explained.
In just over a week, thousands of college graduates will be entering a job market transformed by technology, tempered by economic uncertainty and full of opportunity for those who can adapt quickly.
Emy Yamauchi, an Altres Technical Staffing Division Manager, has helped thousands of new faces to the workforce.
She said hiring has slowed as some companies wait for more clarity on trade policies and economic conditions.
“Businesses are being a little bit more cautious about expanding their staff or things,” Yamauchi explained. “They’re not adding more staff right now because they’re not sure how all of that’s gonna impact their business.”
But there are some exceptions.
“Mental health services are in high demand, so the medical field is just booming, and in totally in demand as well as our trades. construction,” she said.
According to Yamauchi, tech jobs in Hawaii do not pay as well as they do on the mainland.
But she added that there is one thing everyone is looking for: qualified candidates.
“By qualified, I mean, not only with a degree, but with some work experience as well, because that’s what most businesses are looking for,” she clarified.
Her advice to those just starting their careers: don’t get hung up on the pay.
“Take into consideration mission,” she said. “Just getting into the industry. It may not be the actual job that they want.But that will give them exposure.Great networking opportunities and just making sure that they’re gaining some experience to put on their resume for their next job.”
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Sound advice for those like Quentin Shores.
“It’s a stepping stone. It may not have to be like the most glamorous. The fanciest or really anything that big, maybe I have to add a part time job on the side. But regardless of what it is, I know that ultimately it’ll just be a good opportunity to further my career,” Shores said.