Monday, June 9, 2025
POST-GRAD, PRE-JOB
Graduating Ducks look to the future and employment hopes as their college career draws to a close.
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Tristin Hoffman
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ARTS & CULTURE
A graduation weekend itinerary: Where to eat and drink during commencement
These Eugene restaurants are preparing to welcome the class of 2025 and their visitors.
By Andres Baisch Arts & Culture Writer
As commencement approaches, restaurants in Eugene are filling up quickly for reservations. Luckily, there are some Eugene staples that still have availability for a celebratory meal.
Pho King Eugene
Pho King at the 5th Street Public Market downtown is a spacious, modern pho house that can house large parties. Owner Ha Nguyen opened the restaurant as an homage to her family’s history in restaurants.
Bartender Khalil Nguyen adds a unique twist to classic cocktails, like a minty twist on an Irish Maid whiskey drink. If you are looking for a good bowl of pho, Vietnamese spring rolls or potstickers, Pho King is a wonderful place to bring guests and share some Vietnamese classics.
Agate Alley Bistro
Agate Alley Bistro is just a few blocks away from Hayward Field and the heart of campus. The restaurant is within walking distance of the commencement venues, making it a perfect pit stop to refuel with some classic northwest dishes after the ceremony. Patrons can sit in the eclectic, funky indoor space or take a seat in the sun and enjoy views of Hayward Field.
Agate Alley Bistro combines Latin and Asian flair with classic bistro foods, offering a variety of cuisines sure to satisfy any palate.
Rye
Rye, located near the bank of the Willamette river on the northeast corner of downtown, is filling up quickly for the weekend of graduation. Owner Kiyallah Heatherstone said that while Rye may be booked during the actual date of graduation, there is still availability for the days prior and leading up to commencement.
For larger groups, Heatherstone said that the poutine is one of the most popular shareable items.
Along with poutine, roasted carrots are a favorite at Rye. “Our chef, Amanda, can’t not have carrots on the menu,” Heatherstone said. “I mean, you’re just roasting carrots and putting stuff on them, but it’s really good.”
Max’s Tavern
Finally, commencement weekend wouldn’t be complete without an early morning wake up call to Max’s Tavern. A place where many seniors have shared countless memories, whether good, bad or hairy, Max’s is a place we’ll all truly remember.
Max’s hosts a breakfast buffet every morning of graduation — if you thought the line on a Thursday night is bad, you’re in for a shock. The graduating class, decked out in their caps and gowns, will line up all the way down East 13th Avenue to celebrate before the 9 a.m. commencement ceremony.
Co-owner Kim Fairbairn said that Max’s will open at 8 a.m. the morning of graduation, serving up $6 breakfast burritos and a few drink specials that are to be determined. There will also be senior gifts for the first 100 in the door. So, come early and beat the line.
“We just hope that seniors had a great experience and made lifetime connections at Max’s,” Fairbairn said.
University of Oregon student and bartender Jackson Henningsgard says that the positive environment his superiors create is an example of how people should behave under the influence.
Wherever you celebrate on June 16, be proud of your accomplishments over a shared meal with your friends and family.
(Alyssa Garcia/ Emerald)
Draft beer selection at Max’s Tavern located west of the University of Oregon on East 13th Avenue in Eugene.
(Alyssa Garcia/Emerald)
Max’s Tavern is located west of the University of Oregon on East 13th Avenue in Eugene. Max’s Tavern serves a full bar with cocktails, draft beer, along with a selection of bar food.
(Alyssa Garcia/ Emerald)
Rye restaurant is located on East 3rd Avenue and Mill Street in Eugene. Rye serves French cuisine dishes and offers a variety of craft cocktails.
Alumna Jana Schmieding to speak at 2025 commencement
Alumna Jana
Schmieding, star and writer of a Native American sitcom, will speak at the University Commencement Ceremony at Autzen Stadium on June 16.
By Reilly Norgren Campus News Reporter
Jana Schmieding, Native American comedian, writer and University of Oregon theatre arts alumna, will speak at the university’s 148th commencement ceremony on June 16 at Autzen Stadium.
Schmieding is originally from Canby, Oregon and is a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Tribe. She is most known for starring in and writing for Peacock’s situational comedy, “Rutherford Falls.” The sitcom is widely regarded as pushing barriers for Indigenous creatives and breaking down stereotypes typically perpetuated by film and television.
Schmieding graduated from UO in 2005 with a degree in theater arts and has a master’s in teaching from Mercy College. She was a public school teacher in New York City before moving to Los Angeles to start her career in television, according to her IMDB page. While in New York City, she performed and directed regularly in the improv and sketch comedy scene.
As commencement speaker, Schmieding will discuss her journey from “struggling artist” to “success story” and reflect on her memories from UO, according to the commencement website.
The commencement speaker is chosen based on several factors: someone that graduates can relate to, alumni who
have made an impact on their community and someone who can accurately reflect and represent the student population, according to UO Spokesperson Eric Howald.
“The goal of the university commencement celebration is to create a shared experience that resonates with our graduates, leaving them with a sense of pride in their institution,” Howald said in a statement to The Emerald. “The ceremony’s featured commencement speaker rounds out the program with a message of inspiration, shared UO experiences and lessons that have led to their success.”
The information provided to the keynote speaker by the university includes a suggested theme or topic for their speech — to speak about their time at the university, memories and callbacks to specific campus landmarks and moments. It also asks that, in addition to speaking to the graduates, the speaker should also thank families and support systems that guided students to graduation.
During her time at UO, Schmieding was a member of the Native American Student Union and was co-director of the Multicultural Center. In a statement to The Emerald, NASU said that Schmieding’s team has made contact with them and she intends to meet with Native students on campus while she is on campus.
Schmieding joins a list of other distinguished individuals who have previously spoken at UO’s commencement, including actors, athletes and activists.
Graduation photos: tips, tricks and best spots
Photographers and upcoming graduates offer insight on how to make a memorable photo.
By Sasha Love Campus News Reporter
When walking around campus near sunset, it’s hard to miss the crowds of upcoming graduates flocking in front of buildings and posing for the camera. University of Oregon’s 2025 Commencement is quickly approaching on June 16, and there are many places to take that memorable shot that might be on the family fridge for decades. But what makes a photoshoot attractive and what locations are most popular? Here are some suggestions.
1 Lighting #
An important factor in graduation photos is lighting.
“Above lighting is not ideal because you can’t really see your eyes and shadows,” Kyle Siu, UO student and graduation photographer, said.
According to photographers Siu and Jay Eads, the best time for ideal lighting is the morning or evening to avoid this harsh above lighting, but Eads said he focuses on evening shots to fit with the college student schedule.
“I don’t know that I’d have college students reliably showing up if I did an early morning session, so I don’t shoot in the mornings,” Eads said. “Pretty much every single one of my grad sessions is either starting at 5:30 (p.m.) or 6 p.m.”
2 Locations #
One of the most popular spots to take photos is in front of Lillis Business Complex, where the “O” stands loud and proud at the building’s entrance.
“It’s a nice building and the O and pathway and pavement is pleasing,” Siu said.
Another popular location is in front of Johnson Hall, UO’s administration building.
“There are pillars and you can lean on them — (it is a) change of scenery and the lines of the stairs look pretty cool,” Siu said.
Lily Roach, a UO student, took some of her photos in front of Johnson Hall, along with a group of fellow graduates. She also found the pillard background appealing and said it was a “classic spot.”
“It looks very professional. It’s a classy look and it’s not super modern too, which I like in comparison to other buildings,” Roach said.
Off campus, Max’s Tavern and Rennie’s Landing are also “classics,” according to Siu.
3 Technique #
Siu said he looks for eye-catching lines and symmetry, just like he does for sports photography, while also working hard to edit out unnecessary background noise. Eads also likes to have a clean background.
“I don’t like a bunch of people in the background. I watch some photographers, and they don’t care if people are coming in and out of the doors at Lillis. I would rather wait, even if it takes a few minutes longer, so that you don’t just have a crowd,” Eads said.
Siu says one of the best parts of taking graduation photos is the connections formed on the job.
“I like meeting new people. For me, I’m a yapper and I like finding which major they are and knowing more about them as a person,” Siu said.
(Julia Massa/Emerald)
Four different groups of photographers and graduates gather outside of Johnson Hall for a graduation shoot. Johnson Hall is the main administration building on the University of Oregon campus and is located on E 13 Ave in Eugene.
(Molly McPherson/Emerald)
The 147th University of Oregon Commencement Ceremony took place on June 17, 2024 in Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
EUGENE’S POST-GRAD ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
By Joseph Chiu and Mathias Lehman-Winters City News Editors
As graduating University of Oregon students find themselves exiting college and entering the job market, they may find themselves trying to figure out where they should settle in Oregon — if they intend to stay in the beaver state.
Benjamin Hansen is an economics professor at the University of Oregon. He said that for students who want to stay in Eugene, education and healthcare tend to be more reliable employment sectors.
“If we had to pick a modal job, like staying in Eugene, it probably would have been working in the K-12 sector. But I think there is a growing tech sector,” Hansen said. “The healthcare industry is a very large employer as well. Certainly working for PeaceHealth, working for some of the larger providers, Slocum, things like that.”
PeaceHealth is a not-for-profit healthcare organization, and Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is a medical provider in Eugene.
According to the most recent data from the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, as of 2021, PeaceHealth employed 5,347 people in Lane County — or 3.54% of the county’s population. It was the largest employer. Eugene area education institutes like the UO and Eugene 4J School District were the second and third largest employers in the county, employing 5,036 and 2,347 people, respectively.
The unemployment rate in Eugene-Springfield rested at 3.9% as of April 2025 according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a lower unemployment rate than Salem and Portland’s 4% rate, and significantly below the statewide rate of 4.7%. However, Oregon’s unemployment rate is slightly above the national rate of 4.2%.
For students deciding where to rent in Oregon, there are certainly worse places to live than Oregon. The median in Oregon is $1,541 per month — approximately 5% below the national median of $1,625. The median rent in Eugene, however, outpaces the median in Oregon at $1,774 per month — a price that is comparable with Portland’s median rent of $1,802 per month.
As of April 2025, the median house price was $516,000, up 5.4% from the same time last year — comparable with Portland’s median home price of $521,000. Salem’s median home price is considerably less at $450,000. The median home price statewide is $516,000 and nationally is $438,000.
Hansen said that for those prices to ever come down, things are going to have to change.
“If we actually want to see prices fall, and we want to see affordability increase, we have to build at a far more rapid pace than we’ve been building,” Hansen said.
According to Multifamily Northwest’s spring housing report, the vacancy rate in Eugene is 3.56%. This means that only 3.56% of rental
units in Eugene are available to rent and vacant. In the Portland metro area, the vacancy rate lies at 5.91%.
Vacancy rates are an indicator of overall rental market health, and a healthy vacancy rate typically should be between 5–8%. If a vacancy rate sinks too low, then housing will become increasingly difficult to find. This indicated that Eugene has an unhealthy rental market, creating conditions in which affordable housing is scarce — potentially contributing to homelessness.
According to the City of Eugene, approximately 3,000 people, or 1.7% of residents, are unhoused as of 2025. Statewide, 22,875 people, or 0.5% of the population, were experiencing homelessness as of 2024 — putting the homeless population in Eugene at over three times the statewide average.
Hansen said that as students leave college and begin to make more money, they need to be careful not to spend too much.
“The last important thing I would share with students is when you transition from being a student to being an adult, at first you’re gonna feel rich. You’ll discover it doesn’t go as far as you think,” Hansen said. “There’s taxes that you might not have known about before…. Get a solid financial footing, make sure you keep track of your credit (and) don’t overbuy on a car.”
Tristin Hoffman
School of Journalism and Communication, Journalism
Congratulations Tristin, we are so proud of you! We are very proud of your accomplishments, but most of all we are proud of the woman you have become. Your foundation is curiosity, honesty and love of family. We are proud that you draw on this foundation and trust your gut, stand up for what you believe, and always seek the truth. You promised to make the most of everything college had to offer, and proceeded to extend your journalism education to the Daily Emerald, working your way up to EIC and earning many awards including 4th place ACP Reporter of the Year. Your bright future begins at the Oregonian, and we know you will continue to shoot for the stars!
With endless love, Mama & Dada.
Grace Curley
Sadie Tresnit
Robert D. Clark Honors College, English
We are so proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished. Your inner compass has guided you to a place of compassion and kindness and directed you toward a stellar educational career. Your determination and pursuit of excellence shine in all that you do, and we have loved watching you blossom. We hope you continue on the path you’ve begun and know you will have a positive impact on all that you encounter along the way. Look out world, here comes Sadie!
All our love, Mom and Dad
Robert D. Clark Honors College, History/French
We are so proud of you, Grace.
Your love of learning will keep you growing and help you find new interests and adventures in life. Congratulations on your graduation! You are deeply loved and we can’t wait to celebrate you. Bien joué!
Love, Mom & Dad
Kylie Calabrese-Kenny
School of Journalism and Communication | BS Journalism/ Advertising, Minor Business Admin, Cum Laude
CONGRATS KYLIE! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) Remember, if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. Love you to the moon and back, MOM | Very proud of you! My heart is filled with pride as I think of all the wonderful things that are in store for you! Love GPA | Can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’re going to do. I’m always here for you, love you! Bree | Congrats Pnut! The best is yet to come! GO DUCKS! Love Aunty Kasey | Embrace every opportunity! Love Uncle Reed | “Just remember, you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.” Do not be afraid to be great!
Love Unko
Sadie –
GRADS CONFRONT AN UNFORGIVING JOB MARKET
“I just have to take something”: How the class of 2025 is navigating career choices, student loans and increasing pressure.
By Stephanie Jersey Campus News Reporter
As the University of Oregon class of 2025 prepares to graduate on June 16, graduating seniors shared their uncertainties and concerns regarding their entry into the current job market.
Students are set to navigate a competitive application process just months after the Trump administration introduced a new student loan repayment plan, heightening financial pressure on recent graduates.
Keaton Miller, a professor of economics, described the current job market as “tightening.”
“(The job market) is not as strong as last year’s markets, but it is not as bad as the 2020 or 2021 markets,” Miller said.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that the current unemployment rate for recent graduates sat at 5.8% as of March, higher than the 4.6% in 2024.
Jillian Dries, a business administration major and soonto-be grad, said she considered delaying her job search to avoid the challenging market.
“For a while, I was scared of going into the workforce. I was like, ‘I’m just gonna go to law school. I’m gonna go to graduate school right out of college,’” Dries said.
Dries’ experience mirrors the upward trend in graduate program applications, with about a 24% increase in law school applications for the 2025 cycle from 2023.
Even students who planned to find a job early on, like psychology student Bradley Buchbinder, have struggled to
domestic opportunities.
“When the election happened, that was definitely a huge factor that solidified my choice to move out of the country eventually,” Biggs said.
Biggs aims to apply to the Peace Corps by summer and leave by early next year. In the meantime, she is facing “fast turnover” while searching for an entry-level administrative or receptionist role.
“I’ve noticed things go quickly, I’ll find something and I’ll bookmark it. When I go back and check, they’ve taken it off the job board,” Biggs said.
Lucas Eliot, an anthropology student, has a year-long teaching job lined up in Spain after his summer stint as a wildland firefighter. He said his feelings surrounding his future plans are mixed.
“I am really excited about the prospect of leaving the states as we embark on a new presidential term,” he said.
He also pointed out that federal funding cuts to national parks and public lands, along with the implementation of tariffs, could influence both of his plans.
“It’s so frustrating in the modern job search to not get a response or even a rejection.”
- Jillian Dries, Business Admin major
“My two next steps are wildland firefighting and moving abroad as an American citizen, which could both be directly impacted by the decision-making spree that the current federal administration has been going on,” Eliot said.
Eliot said that although his path is unpredictable, he feels secure in his choices.
“Around the time when most people are job hunting during senior year, I just felt really unsure about what direction to take,” he said. “The idea of jumping into the job search, with all its rejection and uncertainty, just didn’t appeal to me.”
Eli Bernell, a planning, public policy and management major, found an opportunity at the University of Oregon. He started as an intern with the athletic department in January and solidified his role for the next year.
“Your first job is not your last job, Your career isn’t going to be this job forever — it’s where you start.”
- Keaton Miller, Economics professor
“At first, I thought, ‘there’s no way I’ll be able to stay
UNEMPLOYMENT
5.8 % RECENT COLLEGE GRADS (AGE 22-27)
6.9% YOUNG WORKERS (AGE 22-27)
2.7% ALL COLLEGE GRADS
4% ALL WORKERS
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that the current unemployment rate for recent graduates sat at 5.8% as of March, higher than the 4.6% in 2024.
“One of the concerns is a decrease in match quality. People taking jobs that aren’t a great fit just to meet financial obligations like student loans,” Miller said. “In the short term, that looks like ‘I didn’t get my dream job, but I have to take something.’”
- Keaton Miller, Economics professor
“TODAY, 42.7 MILLION BORROWERS OWE MORE THAN $1.6 TRILLION IN STUDENT DEBT.”
on all of next year,’” Bernell said. “I feel super grateful that this worked out really well.”
Miller said power within the job market currently lies with employers.
“Right now the job market is a little bit of a buyer’s market,” Miller said. “Employers have a little bit more power … and have felt free to be a little bit more selective.”
According to Bernell, the selectivity cur rently exhibited by companies is reflected in how they define entry-level positions.
“I’ve heard a lot of frustration where people say, ‘This is sup posed to be an entry-level role, but it requires a year or two of experience,’” Bernell said. “That’s tough if you didn’t do an internship or part-time gig during college.”
According to Indeed, internship listings usually surge in early spring, but this year they’re down 11% compared to the same time last year.
Miller said that firms are “nervous” about future economic conditions. This has contributed to the decrease in roles available and increased expectations for qualifications.
“It is hard (for companies) to commit to supporting someone’s salary for new employees when there’s a lot of uncertainty in the economy,” Miller said.
According to Miller, tariffs and funding cuts to research have added pressure to the market.
“In normal years, many students would pursue master’s or PhD programs, but those opportunities are shrinking,” Miller said. “That’s pushing more people into the private sector who might have otherwise delayed entering the job market.”
Miller said that growing pressure may also be affecting how well people match with jobs.
“One of the concerns is a decrease in match quality. People taking jobs that aren’t a great fit just to meet financial obligations like student loans,” Miller said. “In the short term, that looks like ‘I didn’t get my dream job, but I have to take something.’”
The pressure on students worsened after May 5 when the Trump administration reinstated the “involuntary” repayment of federal student loans.
To ensure that students pay their debt, the government is able to withhold pay and tax refunds.
Biggs said the current financial changes make her “nervous.”
“I don’t think I’m going to find something that’s, like, as lucrative as I had previously hoped,” said Biggs.
Despite these challenges, Miller said that graduates should view their first job as a step, not a destination.
“Your first job is not your last job,” Miller said. “Your career isn’t going to be this job forever — it’s where you start.”
- U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
HONORING OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Since Day 1 over 100 years ago, student team members have been an essential part of our team. Their time with us ranges from seasonal to part-time and more, providing them with new skills and perspectives, and preparing them for a future beyond The Duck Store.
We’re proud to be a part of our team members’ University of Oregon experience, championing their potential both now as students and into their futures. Join us in celebrating our graduating team and Board members at tds.tw/25TDSgrads
Sponsored Content
Graduation Gift Guide
The final countdown to graduation has begun! But just because the Duck in your life has graduated, doesn’t mean the supply of Duck gear has to stop. Stay representing UO in green and yellow long past commencement with these perfect graduation gifts.
Champion Cotton “Oregon” Crewneck
One thing that never goes out of style? College crewnecks. Whether your grad plans on staying in Eugene or is heading beyond the Pacific Northwest, this crewneck with the iconic green and yellow “Oregon” logo is perfect for a casual day at the office or heading to Autzen to cheer on the Ducks. Pro tip: Order a few sizes bigger for the perfect cozy, oversized look.
“O” Alumni Decal
Be proud of where your degree is from and upgrade your waterbottle, window or bumper with this yellow sticker. At only $7, this budget-friendly option is the perfect gift to let the grad in your life know you’re proud.
MCM Kapston Pierce Padfolio (Zippered & Grey with Yellow O)
Send your grad into the world looking sharp and organized. This padfolio doesn’t just hold resumes- sleek, zipped, and stamped with a bold yellow “O,” it’s ideal for interviews, grad school or making a confident statement in a first job.
Yellow O-Shaped Ceramic Shot Glass
For the grad who knows how to work hard and celebrate, this unique O-shaped shot glass is a fun way to say “cheers!” Whether displayed on a shelf or used on grad night, it’s a conversation starter for sure.
Quilted Black Spirit Blanket with Green O Wing
Big enough for tailgates and cozy enough for binge-watching, this spirit blanket wraps up the college experience in warm Duck pride. Bonus: it makes a great comfort item during any potential post-grad existential crises.
Picture Frame, Key Tab & Pen Gift Box Set
Three classics in one elegant box! This trio is all about the glow-up: a pen for signing offer letters, a frame for that iconic cap-and-gown photo and a key tab for their new office or apartment keys. Wrapped in school pride, it’s classy with the iconic UO look.
Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the thrilling start of another—and there’s no better way to celebrate your Duck than with gifts that keep the UO spirit alive from The Duck Store. Whether it’s a cozy crewneck, a sleek padfolio or a fun keepsake, each item is a reminder of where they’ve been and the bold path ahead. So show your support and share your pride, decked out in green and yellow, of course.
POLITELY, PLEASE STOP ASKING ME WHAT I’M DOING NEXT
Instead of asking “what’s next” to our soon-to-be graduates, show genuine interest in what brought them to this moment, how they’re feeling and what they’ve learned.
By Claire Nowicki Opinion Columnist
“What are you doing next?”
I cannot count the times I have gotten this question in my final year at the University of Oregon, and I have likely asked it myself in equal numbers.
As someone who, for the past four years, has planned my day to the minute in order to maintain my grades, take part in extracurriculars, make connections with professors and balance friendships, I am suddenly at a moment with no plans for my immediate future.
When asked this question, many soon-to-be graduates are put in a vulnerable position. Is it okay not to have an answer? Is it just as unnerving to have something lined up and have your next six years planned out to the tee?
I asked some students how they felt when they were asked the question “What’s next?”
Sophie Mullaney, a soon-to-be UO graduate said, “I definitely feel overwhelmed. I think a lot of people aren’t accepting of ‘I don’t know’ as an answer. People that I go into more depth with understand that I’m figuring it out even though I don’t have a concrete plan.”
“Asking graduates what’s next is kind of the equivalent of asking married couples when they’re going to have kids. They both have a similar vibe, maybe asking couples that is a little more rude, but with both, you don’t know the answer, and people don’t really want to hear that,” Mullaney added. Brynn Rucker, also, a soon-to-be UO graduate, offered
a perspective as someone with a job lined up.
“I am in a very fortunate position and accepted a position last August; however, this question still gives me a bit of anxiety,” Rucker said.
She adds that although she may have a plan, she understands the job search process is incredibly stressful, stating, “I feel bad discussing my current plans when so many friends around me are so worried about what is next.”
Much like my graduating peers, getting asked this question over and over again is exhausting.
More than 10 years ago, a Forbes article by the Young Entrepreneur Council argued, “We’ve created a world where no one is happy where they are. And the repercussions of this what-next syndrome? We’ve forgotten how to mine the moment for what it is: a chance to appreciate the good and learn from the bad.”
We can shift our culture to stop being so keen on “what’s next” for everyone and check in with how people are doing right now.
Next time you talk to a graduate try these questions out: What was the most fulfilling accomplishment of yours these past four years? What was your favorite part about what you majored in? What’s the coolest thing you learned? Did any class or professor change your perspective on your career interests?
Rucker suggested asking “What are you looking forward to most, post-graduation?” instead.
Mullaney offered that the question doesn’t need an al-
The ever growing difficulty of job hunting after college
Finding jobs after graduating college has become increasingly harder over the past couple years. It’s leaving Ducks stressed.
By Daria Morris Opinion Columnist
The University of Oregon class of 2025 are soon-to-be graduates who will be setting off and looking for careers in their field of study. However, it seems like a lot of college graduates, not just us Ducks, have been having a hard time securing a job after college.
I have had conversations with seniors, not just from our cam pus, about their experience job hunting. Some said they were able to find something because of networking, while a vast majority of the people I talked to said it took months.
At the moment, the job mar ket is very competitive, especially since more Americans are obtain ing college degrees. Employers are requiring rather unrealistic professional experience, even for entry-level positions. Because of this, it’s making it much more difficult for recent and upcoming graduates to find careers in their field of study.
Claire is an opinion columnist for the Daily Emerald. She is in her final year at UO, majoring in political science and comparative literature. Her work focuses on government, philosophy, and literature.
ternative. Instead, she posed that “the way people respond should be normalized. Having no plan, or having only a semblance of a plan is normal, especially right now, and we should make that an acceptable response.”
As much as our education has broadened our horizons and prepared us for the workforce, that doesn’t guarantee we all leave knowing our life’s passions and having a career job lined up. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have goals; it just means we’re in the process of achieving them.
Emily Mourning, a UO senior, explained her frustration with experience requirements that are pretty typical on job applications nowadays.
“I’ve heard a lot of people talk about how entry-level professional jobs require a minimum of two years’ experience. I think that, beyond traditional job experience, a lot goes into getting a job. Job experience isn’t the only experience we have: clubs, Greek life, sports, class projects (and more). These all give you experience,” Mourning said.
Jack Kelly, a senior contributor for Forbes, wrote an article called “Why Is It So Hard For Recent College Graduates To Find A Decent Job?” He dives into the reasoning behind this crisis and possible solutions.
“If you conduct a search for ‘entry-level’ jobs on LinkedIn, you’ll see job listings requiring three to five or more years of relevant experience,” Kelly wrote.
Yogi Khor, a UO senior who is also an international student, expressed feeling overwhelmed trying to find a job in the United States. The process has been going on longer than Khor expected.
“It’s been really stress-
(Noa Schwartz/Emerald)
Daria Morris is an opinion columnist for the Daily Emerald. She is a second-year student at the University of Oregon majoring in journalism and communications with a minor in creative writing. Daria likes to write about feminist topics as well as deep topics that are related to students’ well-being on campus.
ful, especially as an international student. I have to apply for Optional Practical Training and go through a lot of extra steps and paperwork just to stay in the U.S. and work legally,” Khor said.
Khor continued on about how many of the jobs in the education system require a certain amount of previous experience, which has been hard for many UO seniors who haven’t had the chance to work in that type of setting before.
When I questioned the reasons why the job market is so frustrating for graduates, I figured it was because of the economy. U.S. Wealth Management, or U.S. Bank, published an article on their site about the current job market. In the article, there was an interview done with Rob Haworth, senior investment strategist for U.S. Bank Wealth Management.
“The unemployment rate moved modestly higher, from 4.1% in February to 4.2% in March. When taking a more historical view of the unemployment rate, a number in the low 4% range is quite favorable,” Haworth said.
This shows us a small sliver of hope for college graduates. Thankfully, there are some good tips for college graduates or students wanting to prepare for job hunting before graduation on how to help them secure a job.
Adding endorsements to resumes, possibly from professors or managers at your current job, is helpful. Other tips are investing in a personal brand online through LinkedIn, and adding specific skills for specific jobs — not just generic expertise.
In this day and age, learning tech skills is very valuable, and networking as much as possible through platforms like LinkedIn is key.
(Noa Schwartz/Emerald)
ARTS & CULTURE
Seniors say goodbye to The Daily Emerald
As graduation approaches, these five senior staff members reflect on their time at The Emerald.
By Claire Coit Arts & Culture Writer
As the 2025-2026 school year comes to an end, the seniors at The Daily Emerald are quickly approaching their final print issues and bylines. As their time on The Emerald comes to a close, they reflect on their time working at the paper and the things they will remember fondly looking back on their college days.
pursue the role of News Editor. This year, I am the Editor in Chief. I never thought I would be in this role at The Emerald, but I’m so grateful for all of it.
Brady Ruth: Sports Editor:
I started working at The Emerald Sports Desk during my freshman year, covering softball. I knew nothing about it. Since then, I’ve covered lots of different sports and gotten the opportunity to travel all across the country, covering Oregon football as Sports Editor.
Q Q
What have you done at The Emerald?
Jasmine Saboorian: Campus News Editor:
I started at The Emerald during the winter term of my sophomore year as a News Reporter. The following year, I was a Senior News Reporter, and now I’m Campus News Editor. It’s been such a great journey –– I’ve loved every step of the way.
Sean Avery: A&C Writer, Film and TV:
I have worked for The Emerald for nearly two years as the film and TV writer. I have written a wide swath of pieces, including film festival coverage, profile stories, music reviews, and more, but I specialize in film and TV news/reviews.
Molly McPherson: Photo Editor:
I have been at The Emerald since my freshman year. First as a photojournalist, and then as Photo Editor for the last two years.
Tristin Hoffman: Editor in Chief:
During my sophomore year, I started at The Emerald Opinion Desk. I quickly realized my affinity for editing and decided to
What is your favorite piece you’ve worked on at The Emerald?
McPherson: My favorite piece I’ve ever worked on has to be my most recent photo story of the New York Liberty vs. The Toyota Antelopes. I came into college wanting to work for the New York Liberty so getting the chance to cover them was an amazing experience.
Saboorian: I did a profile story when President John Karl Scholz got elected. He wouldn’t speak to me personally, so I talked to a lot of different people about him. The story actually ended up winning a Pensiero Award, which was really rewarding. Getting all of those perspectives on him really helped to round out the story.
Avery: That’s a tough one. My favorite article would have to be my profile piece on Willow Kasner. Although it stretches beyond my beat, it was probably the most fulfilling piece I’ve ever written. Willow is an incredible person and I’m honored to have gotten the chance to share her story with readers.
Hoffman: One of my favorite stories I’ve edited was Ruby Duncan’s School of Music and Dance Investigative story. That story started being researched when I was still the Investigations Editor. The story was wild,
and Ruby really had a passion for it, which I loved. It also had an impact on the policies surrounding professors, which I was really glad to be a part of.
Ruth: My favorite has to be the feature that I wrote about the Oregon first baseman. It was fun to tell his story. He’s a guy that’s kind of overshadowed on the team by a lot of star-studded names, so it was cool to be able to write about the season he was having. At the end of the season, he was named for First Team All-Big Ten, which was cool. I was onto him before anyone else was.
on is a special experience I’ve had here.
Ruth: I will miss the opportunities, especially for beat writing. To be able to follow a specific team and know the ins and outs of their season and players is something special. I’ll also miss the opportunities I’ve gotten to travel to cover games. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to cover Oregon’s football season this year; it was unforgettable.
Q Q
What was your favorite part about working at The Emerald? What will you miss?
McPherson: I’ll miss the incredible people who make up the Photo desk. In my four years with The Emerald, I have made the most amazing friends. I can’t wait to see what they all do as they continue to blossom into the world.
Avery: My favorite thing about working at The Emerald is the freedom and support to write about things I’m deeply passionate about. It’s a welcome environment for creatives to really put a unique stamp on the publication.
Saboorian: As an editor, I’ve loved teaching reporters about journalistic-style writing. I’m so passionate about it, so it’s been a great opportunity to pass on those skills to my reporters. I’ll miss the people the most. We’ve gotten to bond both inside and outside the newsroom, which I’ll really miss.
Hoffman: Seeing early-career journalists step up to the plate and overcome challenges has been amazing. Helping them learn and helping them grow has been my favorite part of the Emerald, for sure. I’ll miss being in a student newsroom. Having friends in the newsroom that you can rely
What are your plans after graduation?
McPherson: I plan to work as a designer for an advertising agency post-grad.
Hoffman: This summer, I’ll be doing business reporting for The Oregonian as a Snowden intern. After that, I hope to travel or start my career in the world of journalism.
Saboorian: I actually graduated last term. Right now, I’ve got an internship through the Snowden program at the SOJC. I’ll be at Lookout Eugene-Springfield, and I’m starting next Monday!
Ruth: Post-grad, there aren’t any set plans yet, but I’m throwing my name out there for as many media jobs as I can. I’m not totally set on writing; I think there’s a lot to be done in the world of broadcast media and broadcast journalism. I’m not limiting myself to anything, specifically, but I’m not hard set in my plans yet.
Avery: In the future, I want to travel and write about the world. I want to tell stories about fun and interesting people within and outside of the entertainment industry. The dream is to write for a high-caliber entertainment publication one day, like Variety or Letterboxd — wherever the wind takes me.
Jasmine Saboorian Sean Avery Molly McPherson Tristin Hoffman Brady Ruth
Graduate transfers ball out at Oregon
Softball’s Chambers latest grad to succeed in Eugene.
By Beck Parsons Sports Reporter
An undergraduate degree marks the end of most college journeys, but for these three athletes, a postgraduate transfer to Oregon created further valuable opportunities at a pre-professional level.
Dillon Gabriel - Football
Gabriel was already a household name in college football when he transferred to the Ducks in December of 2023. He’d recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in multidisciplinary studies and earned firstteam All-Big 12 honors.
Gabriel excelled as a Duck, leading the team to an undefeated regular season and Big Ten Championship victory. The first-team All-American was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in round three, where he’ll have a chance to compete for the currently available starting spot.
Deja Kelly - Women’s Basketball
Kelly, a three-time first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference guard, graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in broadcast journalism, but decided to transfer to the Ducks in May of 2024.
She led the Ducks in points (12.2 per game) and assists (3.3 per game) across the 2024-25 season, which earned her an All-Big Ten hon-
orable mention. Kelly’s Ducks finished 20-12 and won their first NCAA Tournament game since the 2021 tournament.
Kelly was waived by the WNBA’s Las Ve gas Aces on May 12, but her two excellent pre season showings showed encouraging signs of lasting professional potential.
Staci Chambers - Softball
Chambers transferred to Oregon in August of 2024 after three seasons at California State University, Fullerton, where she earned both a degree in psychology and 2024 first-team All-Big West hon ors. Though her official record this year stands at only three wins, no losses and one save, Chambers’ impact has been largest in this season’s biggest moments.
Chambers entered the final game of May’s Eugene regionals down 7-3 with two outs in the third. However, she held Stanford score less across 4 1/3 innings, giving the Ducks’ offense time to come back for a walk-off win.
Chambers did it again in Game One of the Super Regionals, holding Liberty scoreless for 4 1/3 innings and leading the Ducks to another walkoff win which helped the Ducks to their first Women’s College World Series appear ance since 2018.
(RIGHT) Deja Kelly (25) speaks after Senior Day activities. Oregon Women’s Basketball took on Rutgers in Eugene on Feb. 23, 2025. (Tyler Graham/Emerald)
Ranking the top five moments from Oregon’s
By Joe Krasnowski Sports Reporter
3 Oregon softball makes Women’s College World Series #
Oregon sports has had a truly remarkable year with Athletic Director Rob Mullens engineering a coaching staff that, combined, to take home five conference titles and five NCAA championships throughout the Ducks’ athletic calendar.
That said, The Daily Emerald has created a list ranking how the Ducks’ top five moments from the athletic year stack up against each other.
1 The women’s track and field team wins the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship. #
Bringing home some serious hardware, the women’s track and field team was truly exceptional in 2025, bringing home the NCAA indoor championship. Oregon dominated the field, besting second-place Georgia by nearly 16 points in the competition.
2 Oregon football wins the Big Ten Championship #
Championing the best conference in college football notches Oregon football the second mark on this list. Although the ending of the season — a blowout loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl — will leave a sour taste in fans’ mouths, it’s hard to view 2025 as anything less than a success for Oregon football. The Ducks were a remarkable 13-0 in the regular season and clinched the Big Ten Championship on a final drive interception from Nikko Reed.
Oregon’s “version seven” did not disappoint, with Oregon softball making its way to Omaha and facing off in the Women’s College World Series. Although the Ducks were unable to bring home a championship, Oregon softball continued to establish itself as a national power in 2025, holding a top 10 spot in the standings for much of the season. Holding its own with some of the best programs in the country.
4 Oregon softball and baseball win Big Ten regular season titles #
Although the regular season is not the whole story, it’s still no small feat to be the best team in the conference throughout a weeks-long slog of a season. That’s exactly what both Oregon diamond sports teams were able to accomplish. Oregon softball wrapped up the Big Ten title in the second-to-last game of the season at home against Michigan State. On the other hand, Oregon baseball had a flair for the dramatic, sweeping Iowa in a three-game series to clinch the title.
5 Oregon women’s golf wins Big Ten Women’s Golf Championship #
Head coach Derek Radley’s Ducks continue to establish themselves as one of the best programs in the country. Oregon was able to bring home a Big Ten Championship on the back of a career day from Kiara Romero. Romero fired a 4-under 68 on May 18 to help the Ducks win the championship.
(Molly McPherson/Emerald)
