Graduated But Still Unemployed? What Skills Do Students Need to Survive in Today’s Job Market?

“Graduated, but unemployed.”

This phrase is becoming an increasingly common reality for young adults in South Korea. Recent data from a leading educational institute shows a declining employment rate among recent university graduates, with more young people—even those with graduate degrees—struggling to find their first job.

A similar trend is emerging in Canada. While the demand for skilled and professional workers continues to rise, many employers report a persistent talent shortage. This contradiction reflects a deeper issue: a growing gap between academic qualifications and the practical skills required in the workplace.

Today, a university degree alone is no longer a ticket to a stable job. Instead, higher education is evolving into a space where students are expected to develop job-ready skills that can be applied immediately after graduation. So the question is no longer just what to study—but how to gain the competencies that lead to employment.

Computer science remains one of the most popular and promising fields. However, recent reports suggest that even computer science graduates are facing hiring challenges, particularly in the wake of hiring freezes and layoffs at major tech companies. While this may reflect temporary fluctuations in the job market, computer science continues to be one of the most resilient and opportunity-rich disciplines across industries.

Today, software and digital tools power nearly every sector—from finance and healthcare to manufacturing, education, and public services. The rise of automation and AI has created a strong demand for professionals who can solve real-world problems using technology and make data-driven decisions. Yet, basic coding skills alone are no longer enough. Employers are looking for candidates who also demonstrate problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning.

What does this mean for students choosing their majors?

Many Canadian universities are adapting by offering more practice-oriented, interdisciplinary programs. Fields such as data analytics, UX design, and project management are often integrated with core computer science programs, giving students the flexibility to pursue a wide range of career paths. A student who combines computer science with business, psychology, or design—through a double major or minor—can develop a broader perspective and increase their employability across industries.

Still, it’s not just about what you major in. The rise of skill-based hiring means that employers are placing more weight on what candidates can do rather than what they studied. What projects have you worked on? What tools and platforms are you familiar with? Have you ever collaborated on a team or led a group to deliver results?

To support this shift, many Canadian universities are expanding their co-op and internship programs, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings before graduation. These experiences not only validate a student’s technical skills but also help them build soft skills that are just as essential.

In the end, the most important factor is not the name of your degree, but the value you can create with it. True employability comes from a balanced combination of hard skills (like programming, analysis, or design) and soft skills (such as communication, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and leadership).

In a rapidly changing world, the role of education is becoming clearer: it’s not just about earning a diploma—it’s about preparing for a meaningful, adaptable, and resilient career. If your child is in the process of choosing a major, consider not just the subject itself, but how it connects to the future world of work and the skills that world will demand.