UNCW graduates face tough job market despite degrees in hand
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Exams are finishing up, Caps are ready, and tassels are set to turn at UNCW. Graduation ceremonies kick off Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday.
While it’s a time for celebration the job market may present some early challenges for new grads.
Thousands of “Seahawks” are heading into their final exams and preparing to graduate from University of North Carolina Wilmington. But for many students, there’s a lingering question behind the celebrations: will they be able to find a job?
For senior Omari Harvey, that question feels especially urgent. Despite earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, he says the job search has been anything but easy.
“I would say 500 is the number of applications. It’s been pretty rough,” Harvey said.
Even after submitting hundreds of applications, Harvey has yet to receive a single offer. His experience highlights a growing concern among soon-to-be graduates—that landing an entry-level role may be just as difficult as passing final exams.
“It’s a little tricky because they are looking for a specific type of person,” he explained. “And it’s hard to fill entry-level roles when you need three-plus years of experience.”
Harvey isn’t alone. According to ZipRecruiter, entry-level jobs make up only about 38 percent of current job postings. The platform also reports that 16 percent of recent graduates submitted more than 20 applications before receiving their first offer, underscoring how competitive the market has become.
So, what’s behind the struggle?
Harvey believes the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is part of the problem. “Computer science is ramping up with issues of AI, so a lot of companies are thinking that AI is the new wave, rather than getting new hires,” he said.
However, career experts suggest the issue is more nuanced. Chris Lewandowski, director of the Career Center at UNCW, says employers are not necessarily replacing workers with AI—but they are raising expectations.
“It used to be evaluated as, you had a college degree, we assumed you have those skills,” Lewandowski said. “Now, students are being asked to demonstrate that more throughout the application process.”
That shift means graduates must go beyond listing credentials—they need to actively show their abilities through portfolios, internships, and practical experience.
Lewandowski emphasizes that patience is key. He notes that more than 80 percent of UNCW graduates secure employment within six months of finishing school. While the waiting period can be frustrating—especially for students who have invested significant time and money into their education—he encourages graduates to stay focused on steady progress.
“What is one action step that we can focus on that moves us in the right direction?” Lewandowski said. “That may be as easy as calling our office and saying, ‘Can someone help me?’ And that is our job—to walk into those situations and help you develop a plan for what comes next.”
