While new college graduates' first challenge is often landing a job, entering the workforce brings other stresses like navigating their new career as well as their personal finances.
Most of this year's college graduates are Gen Z, the generation that experiences the most financial stress, according to Ally Bank’s recent Minds on Money report. Only 34% of adults under age 28 say they feel in control of their finances and that they could cover a $1,000 emergency expense without going into debt, the report found.
While securing a high salary can help, it doesn’t guarantee new graduates will have a handle on their money. Having a plan for student loan repayments, managing lifestyle creep, and setting clear boundaries can keep you on track. And once you're hired, understand that networking is only beginning if you want to climb the ladder or eventually move to a different company.
Here’s what new graduates should keep in mind during and after the job hunt:
What to look for in job descriptions and interviews
While salary and location may be the first things job seekers look for when scrolling LinkedIn, Anthony Knierim, managing director of the Americas for the global employee engagement platform Reward Gateway, says they should keep an eye out for other less obvious green lights and red flags.
Knierim advised taking the time to ask about company culture in a job interview. Knowing how employees collaborate and talk about their workplace gives valuable insight, he said. Knierim also advises job seekers to ask how they would fit into the company’s future, emphasizing how their soft skills will be enhanced and valued in a world that is rapidly automating hard skills.
Knierim and Jack Howard, head of Money Wellness at Ally, agree applicants should also consider the benefits that come with accepting a position. Beyond a 401(k) match and health insurance plan, some workplaces will cover your transportation costs, gym membership, or offer tuition reimbursement.
Even if you've already started the new job, you may want to navigate an old HR portal or read through a long handbook to find out about those additional benefits. Doing so is worth your time, Knierim said.
“People are only in a company for 15 to 17 months in the young demographic,” he said. “They don’t have as much time to hear from somebody else, ‘Did you know our company does this?’ … When you get those onboarding packets that are usually 30 pages, really take time to see what’s offered.”
Networking doesn't end
Whether you're wanting to switch companies or move up internally, networking doesn’t end once you’re hired for your first job after graduation.
Gen Z is following in Millennials’ footsteps and throwing off stigmas around job hopping, Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster, told USA TODAY and Knierim said it’s nearly impossible to get a job in today’s market without networking.
“It’s kind of moving beyond, 'Who is the one person you know?' Now it’s almost like, 'What are the three to five angles I can use to get into this place?'” Knierim said.
He advises young people to maximize their alumni and social networks when looking for a new job, and to get face time with senior leadership if they’re hoping for a promotion.
“Be aggressive without being a pain,” he said. “Go to the town halls. Go up to the key executives after with great questions."
Knierim suggested asking about new ways the company is using AI. He recalled how businesses largely relied on young people to take charge of their social media strategy in the early 2010s and said new graduates could help lead the way on AI implementation in some companies.
Full article @ https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/06/19/career-financial-tips-new-grads/84165470007/