ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Culture
GRAD TRAP
Millie Fowler, 24, recently graduated from Victoria University with a degree in marketing. And like many fresh graduates, she expected that her “entry-level” job search would involve entry-level work. Instead, she’s discovered the modern job market has a slightly different definition.
“I saw a job advertised as ‘Entry-Level Marketing Assistant’ and thought, finally, something I can do,” Millie said. “Then I read the requirements: five years minimum experience in a similar role. I’m like, what the hell!” she said while scrolling Seek in frustration.
Millie has been scouring Seek and Trademe, often finding roles that ask for experience levels that seem more suited to someone mid-career. “I want to gain experience, but apparently experience is required before you can gain experience. It’s like the job market is a riddle, but with fewer clues and more despair.”
Her frustration is echoed by others in the job market industry. “It feels like the term ‘entry-level’ has become aspirational rather than descriptive,” said career advisor Rangi MacKenzie. “Employers want fresh perspectives, but also want candidates who have been doing the job for decades.”
Despite the challenges, Millie remains cautiously optimistic. “I’m starting to think that ‘entry-level’ might actually mean: ‘You need to have basically done close to a decade in a similar role. Maybe they want me to lie about my experience?”
Millie then continued her job search, perfecting her CV and practicing the delicate art of sounding experienced in ways she technically isn’t.
More to come.
