Venting (Jobs After University) ?

[Anonymous]

I’m a 24 year old guy and based in Toronto, Ontario. I graduated University in 2023 at age 22 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Technology Management. Since then, I’ve struggled to maintain consistent employment. After university, I completed two separate six-month co-op contracts at TD and RBC in data analysis/project management, followed by a 10-month contract in the public sector.

Each time a contract ended, it took me several months—typically 6–7—to secure the next role. For example, during my first co-op at TD, I started searching internally five months before my contract ended but wasn’t successful. After this contract ended, I had to wait about six to seven months before I landed a new contract at RBC, but the same pattern repeated. After RBC, I spent 3–4 months searching before joining the public sector as an administrative assistant for 10 months and just finished it last month.

I am super grateful for the experience and support I’ve received from my managers and teams. They are amazing. I also completed a post-grad diploma in Data Science to strengthen my skills. Despite this, I still find it challenging to secure a permanent, stable role. It’s difficult seeing peers who graduated university with me already in permanent positions or advancing toward senior roles, while my career has been inconsistent so far. I see this all the time on LinkedIn. I am happy for them but still feel some animosity. I am hopeful for the future but I'm tired of constantly having to reapply for new roles/start from ground zero.

I enjoy networking and connecting with people, and I’m hopeful to land my “big break” soon. Has anyone else experienced something similar at this stage of their career?

[RavVid]

IT is the easiest area for a business to slash costs in a downturn so it does happen.

Have you been applying for permanent positions as the well as contracting jobs?

Make sure you use the key words in the job ad. It is extremely important. The people reviewing the applications don't have any any idea of what it requires. I know this because a job was spec'ed on my CV. When I used Technical architect I got no response. When I changed to Solution Architect I had a call within seconds.

[AviatorTom]

Some employers may consider you over-qualified for your age, and think they would have to pay you more than the typical 24 yo new hire.

I used to be a technical interview person for prospective new-hires, and offer this advice.

When you contact a company, rather than pushing your experience and education, do research on the company and emphasize how you would be a productive addition to the company. Continue emphasizing that in your interview.

Best of luck in your search.

[jennifer_bloom]

My friend worked at TD as a bank teller for around 20 years. If you change jobs too often, or seek elite roles immediately after graduation, managers will view you as a competitor and not hire you. People who study management always say, do not mention your management degree until you have been hired and established a secure foothold in the company because employers will not hire people who can steal their job.

[AI Opinion]

It's understandable to feel frustrated. Many face similar challenges early in their careers. Your strong educational background, combined with practical experience, positions you well for future opportunities. Continuous networking is crucial—focus on building relationships within your industry and consider leveraging LinkedIn more strategically. Additionally, explore roles beyond data analysis and project management where your skills may be applicable. Stay persistent and patient; industry stability often improves with time and persistence. Continue upskilling and aligning your efforts with industry demands, and your "big break" will come. Your journey is unique, and every experience adds value.

[DCVsMarvel2]

AI is taking over

[Anonymous]

I never experienced that.