Underemployment post-college - why does it happen?

I've been hearing a lot about how many college graduates end up underemployed. This is pretty scary to think about. Is this a general trend? Why does this happen often?

Underemployment post-college can be attributed to several factors. One is that while a college degree is almost universally respected, not all degrees are seen as equal in the job market. For example, the majority of graduates from STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields tend to find jobs in their fields of study, while this may not be the case for some humanities and arts disciplines.

Similarly, the job market can be highly regional, meaning the demand for certain expertise might be location-specific. If a graduate is unable or unwilling to relocate, they might end up taking a job outside their field of study, or, one that doesn't utilize their full skillset.

Another contributing factor is the mismatch between academic skills and workplace requirements. Although universities provide a solid theoretical foundation, some of the practical skills required in workplaces may not be adequately covered. To bridge the gap, students may need to pursue internships, part-time jobs, or other hands-on experiences in their industry of interest.

Lastly, the competitive nature of the job market significantly contributes to underemployment. Since more people are acquiring a college degree now than ever before, the job market is saturated with qualified candidates, making the competition stiff for high-paying jobs. It's important for students to work on standing out in the market by gaining relevant experience, networking in their desired field, and consistently improving their skills.

It's worth noting that while underemployment can be concerning, it doesn't mean a degree isn't worthwhile. The key is to make strategic choices while in school that align with your career goals. Additionally, keep in mind that many people's very first job after college isn't their "dream job," and building a career often involves taking on different roles and responsibilities along the way.