Dreams Vs Reality Phenomenological Journey of Fresh Graduates Seeking Employment in Competitive Industry

Abstract

The transition from graduation to employment represents a pivotal phase in a fresh graduate’s life, often accompanied by a striking contrast between personal aspirations and the realities of the labor market. This study explores the phenomenological journey of fresh graduates as they enter highly competitive industries, focusing on the discrepancies between their career expectations and the practical challenges they encounter. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research captures the lived experiences of graduates who are actively navigating the job market, shedding light on their struggles, perceptions, and adaptive strategies. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with individuals from diverse fields, allowing for an in-depth exploration of common themes such as job search difficulties, employer expectations, and industry competition. The findings reveal that lack of professional experience, skills mismatches, and oversaturated markets serve as critical barriers to successful employment. In contrast, networking opportunities, continuous upskilling, resilience, and adaptability emerged as essential strategies for managing these obstacles. Furthermore, participants expressed varying perspectives on the adequacy of tertiary education in preparing them for real-world professional demands, pointing to gaps between theoretical training and practical application. The study underscores the pressing need for enhanced career readiness programs within educational institutions and more inclusive, skill-oriented hiring practices in industries, ultimately bridging the gap between graduate expectations and employment realities.