South Carolina graduates encounter mixed job prospects amid record employment levels
Updated
Updated · WLTX.com · Apr 28
South Carolina graduates encounter mixed job prospects amid record employment levels
3 articles · Updated · WLTX.com · Apr 28
State data shows 2,524,723 residents employed in February 2026, up over 44,000 from last year, with the labor force exceeding 2.6 million.
Despite strong job growth across sectors like manufacturing and health services, many graduates report difficulty securing interviews and emphasize the importance of internships and networking.
Career experts and officials advise persistence, skill presentation, and using resources like SC Works centers, as students navigate a competitive market despite overall economic strength.
With a record number of jobs, why do entry-level roles now demand years of experience?
Without an internship, are new graduates' chances of getting hired cut in half?
Is AI the biggest barrier or the best new tool for college graduates seeking their first job?
Beyond a degree, what are the crucial 'human skills' that actually land graduates a career?
As GPA becomes less important, how can graduates prove their value to employers?