Hiring Landscape— What a Difference a Year Makes!
Philip M. Coniglio DeMatteis School Assistant Dean for Co-op and Experiential Learning Philip.M.Coniglio@hofstra.edu
When we look at the hiring landscape today, students seeking entry-level jobs after graduation are not finding it a slam-dunk experience.
A few years ago, STEM students had little difficulty finding jobs after graduation. Highly qualified students were even receiving offers before they graduated. Now, even students who have done everything right (solid GPAs, multiple internships and co-ops) have to apply to a plethora of companies before they get their first interview Of course this sounds very discouraging, but all is not doom and gloom
First, the job market is like the housing market, with its ebbs and flows We are currently in an ebb phase, but it will not last forever. So, what should you be doing in the meantime to minimize the downside effect?
If you are a senior, timing is of the essence Make sure you have a professionally written resume You can get help from Hofstra’s Career Center advisors to carry out this task At the same time, you should create a list of all the companies you might want to work for Make sure the list is extensive Fifty or more companies would not be too many Expand your search beyond your hometown or the city of your choice. Remember, if you get an offer in a locale that you decide you absolutely do not want to live in, you can always decline it. But getting the interview experience will help you with the next one.
If you are not a senior, then you have more options I recommend that you register for the SEAS100: Professional Development (seniors can take this course too), which will guide you through everything you need to do to make you as competitive as possible. In addition to taking this course, you need to find an internship or better yet, if you are a junior or a rising senior, apply for the co-op program.
Nothing is guaranteed, but being well prepared, as mentioned above, will give you the best chance to get that entry level job after graduation. Work diligently at applying to companies, keep accurate records on where and when you applied, and most of all HAVE PATIENCE. Remember, the job market is always changing.
Here’s one more tip: make a point of attending the Engineering & Computer Science Career Fair on October 1, 2025. At this event you will be talking directly with company representatives who are there precisely because they are looking to hire new graduates. It just might be your ticket to that allimportant first full-time STEM job!
For further information about the co-op program, please feel free to reach out to Assistant Dean Philip Coniglio by phone at (516) 463-5548 or by email at Philip.M.Coniglio@hofstra.edu, and be sure to check out our website at https://www.hofstra.edu/dematteis-co-op/.
[DeMatteis School Fall 2025 Newsletter]