A Stanford University graduate who struggled to find full-time employment after graduation turned to entrepreneurship, building a six-figure PR business. The graduate, who began applying for jobs in their senior year, faced repeated rejections despite having seven years of marketing experience. By graduation in 2025, they had no full-time job offers, only internship opportunities. The experience led them to launch their own business, which has since achieved significant success.
The graduate had spent their college years managing marketing for tech startups and working with local businesses, accumulating extensive experience. However, their transition from engineering to English and linguistics raised concerns about fitting the stereotypical narrative of an unemployed English major. Financial constraints as a financial aid student further complicated their job search, pushing them to consider roles that would prolong the process.
The job market for recent graduates, particularly at competitive universities like Stanford, often relies on internships leading to full-time offers. However, the graduate found the market more challenging than expected, with many applications resulting in no response. Their decision to start their own business highlights the growing trend of graduates turning to entrepreneurship when traditional job paths prove difficult.