The stakes are incredibly high for young people to find jobs. With roughly two million people receiving a bachelor’s degree annually, the post-college labor market is competitive. In the years following graduation, the job market will likely become increasingly significant  due to factors such as financial stability, lifestyle changes and economic conditions. 

About 7% of college students will choose a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) major by default, ensuring job security. For others, job security is not promised. Economic downturns, with job cuts, increased unemployment and a reduction in hiring activity, have been a common denominator plaguing the dreams of many non-STEM students.

Studies show that about half of American graduates are not using their degrees in their current job. Some are also working in jobs that do not even require degrees.

A recent thread on Stony Brook University’s Reddit forum discussed the job market outcomes for graduates, revealing insightful perspectives. One user commented, “Contemplating my life and wondering why college exists.” Another user said, “been looking for a job since February. No success, lots of rejections and interviews that lead nowhere.” 

STEM graduates generally reported strong employment prospects, often securing well-paying positions shortly after graduation, particularly in fields like engineering, computer science and healthcare. However, non-STEM graduates face more challenges, with many noting the need for additional certifications, graduate degrees or career shifts to secure stable employment. Several respondents to the Reddit thread emphasized that internships, networking and hands-on experience played a crucial role in post-graduation success, sometimes outweighing GPA or coursework alone. The discussion suggests that career outcomes depend significantly on one’s field of study, professional connections and proactive job-search efforts.

The job market for bachelor’s degree holders became significantly tougher over the past decade. In 2015, job security was relatively guaranteed, with a low unemployment rate of 2.7% for those with a bachelor’s degree and over 82% of graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. Full-time employment was on the rise and starting salaries saw an increase, reflecting a more promising outlook for new graduates. 

Now, the rise of automation, outsourcing and the growing demand for STEM-related skills has made it increasingly difficult for non-STEM graduates to secure stable, well-paying positions. With more graduates facing underemployment or struggling to find jobs that match their qualifications, the once-promising prospects of a bachelor’s degree have dimmed. This decline illustrates a broader trend of shrinking job security and highlights the growing gap between the expectations of college graduates a decade ago and the realities of the job market today.

Outsourcing is when companies seek to reduce operational costs by relocating certain jobs abroad. Positions in industries like customer service, marketing, data entry, information technology support and even research and administrative roles have been outsourced to countries with lower wage regulations such as India, the Philippines and Eastern Europe. This has led to a significant reduction in entry-level job opportunities in the United States for non-STEM graduates, as employers can now access a global labor pool with cheaper alternatives.

As a result, many non-STEM graduates are facing underemployment, where they may hold jobs that don’t align with their degree or are overqualified for their position. 

The shift toward outsourcing has disproportionately affected graduates in non-technical fields, leaving them with fewer prospects for stable full-time employment. This trend contributes to a growing wage gap between STEM and non-STEM professionals, further widening the disparity in job security and career growth opportunities.

​Stony Brook’s initiatives, such as personalized career coaching, workshops, networking opportunities through the Career Center and the Mentor Connect platform, can positively influence post-graduation employment outcomes across various disciplines. While specific employment data for non-STEM graduates at Stony Brook is limited, available information indicates that these efforts have contributed to favorable results.​ For instance, the Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services program, a non-STEM field, had 425 bachelor’s degree graduates. 

Similarly, the Studio Art (B.A.) program at Stony Brook reported that 86.7% of its graduates were employed in New York State two years after graduation. However, the median salary of $42,820 five years after graduation raises concerns, especially when considering the rising cost of living.

These figures suggest that while experiential learning may help with employment, the financial return for non-STEM graduates remains relatively low, questioning the long-term value of degrees in certain fields. They also underscore the significant contributions of graduates from various fields, including non-STEM disciplines, to the economy.​ While the data does not provide a detailed breakdown of employment outcomes by specific non-STEM majors, the overall positive trends suggest that the University’s initiatives have been beneficial for students across all backgrounds.

The evolving job market presents an undeniable challenge for non-STEM graduates, many of whom struggle to secure stable, well-paying jobs in an economy increasingly favoring technical and specialized skills.

Stony Brook can still improve its support for non-STEM students. The University can expand its efforts by integrating more experiential learning opportunities, such as co-op programs, industry partnerships and hands-on coursework that aligns with real-world job demands. For example, the University at Albany (SUNY) requires certain majors like cybersecurity to gain work experience through internships, providing on-campus internship opportunities and career counseling to help students build relevant experience before graduation. This approach is beneficial for non-STEM students seeking to build relevant experience in their chosen fields.

Additionally, strengthening alumni networks for non-STEM fields and increasing employer outreach can bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that all graduates — regardless of their major — have the resources they need to thrive. Stony Brook’s alumni networks are focused primarily on healthcare fields, so building new networks that cater towards non-STEM fields would be beneficial to undergraduate success. 

A bachelor’s degree’s significance has shifted in the past few years to the point where people say, “A master’s is the new bachelor’s.” In today’s competitive landscape, success depends not only on just obtaining a degree, but also on leveraging practical experience, professional connections and adaptability. By enhancing career readiness programs for non-STEM students, Stony Brook can equip all graduates with the tools to navigate an unpredictable job market and build sustainable careers.