Lexington universities offer career support as graduates face tough job market, AI uncertainty

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Thousands of graduates will walk the stage this weekend at universities across Lexington to receive their diplomas, but many say landing a job has proven difficult even with a degree in hand.

“Everyone I talked to is like ‘oh gosh, what am I gonna do.’ Like it’s, as I said, it’s a really uncertain time,” said Ethan Rand, a graduating University of Kentucky senior.

Rand said the traditional value of a college degree has shifted.

“We’ve always been told the people that have a piece of paper, it’s gonna get you ahead but I’ve learned very quickly, it’s more about who you know rather than what you know now days,” Rand said.

Artificial intelligence is adding another layer of concern for job seekers.

“It’s one of those things that has definitely impacted a lot of things and down the road we could see it impacting even more jobs,” Rand said.

UK offers free career services

The University of Kentucky’s Stuckert Career Center is offering free services for graduates, including resume reviews, mock interviews and one-on-one coaching. Director Nicole Keenan said the job search does not have to be done alone.

“A benefit of coming to the Career Center is having someone that has accountability and helps you stay accountable,” Keenan said.

She said having support is more important now as rejection can pile up fast for many graduates.

“They say there’s a hundred nos for every yes and so when you’re sending out that many applications it can be really really cumbersome. So anytime we’re not getting what we want, we want to do something different,” Keenan said.

“We are here. We can’t wait to work with you. And if you’re discouraged, we want to partner with you so you get the position that you want,” Keenan said.

AI as a tool in job search

Keenan said artificial intelligence can be a helpful tool, and students are using it.

“I think AI has kind of helped me in this process, sort of. I’ve used it for like interviewing prepping for my grad school interviews,” said Jalika Bojng, a graduating UK senior.

Keenan said it is never too late to take advantage of the career center’s services.

Transylvania provides networking support

Transylvania University is taking a similar approach, helping students through the entire application process.

“We know that what you know is important, but it’s also who you know in many cases. So providing them that contact with people who possibly could hire them down the road is very important to their success,” said Tracy Dunn, Transylvania University Academic Affairs.

Transylvania’s career services help with resume building and connecting students with alumni. Dunn said support extends beyond graduation.

“We are their cheerleaders. We are here to prepare them and help them through the time when they are getting those nos,” Dunn said.

Both universities’ career center services are free to graduates, even years after they leave campus.