Florida State University Career Services Assistant Vice President Rob Liddell said on May 28 that while the job market for recent graduates is becoming more competitive, opportunities remain for those who are prepared. Liddell said employers are increasingly filling roles through internship conversions and alternative pathways, such as project-based and hybrid positions, with an emphasis on candidates who can demonstrate real-world experience and professional maturity.
“Graduates who engage deeply and consistently through internships, research, leadership and skill building are standing out from the competition surrounding entry-level hiring,” Liddell said. He noted that today’s market rewards tangible evidence of readiness.
Liddell also addressed a persistent challenge: employers often struggle to assess communication and leadership skills. At Florida State University, more than 95% of students complete a foundational career-readiness course designed to help them build portfolios and document competencies through hands-on experiences.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, Liddell said human-centered skills such as creativity, adaptability, ethical judgment, and emotional intelligence are becoming even more valuable in the workforce. “Routine and technical tasks are becoming increasingly automated within the workplace. This development has placed premium value on distinctly human capabilities — the competencies that are difficult to replicate, scale or substitute and that drive value, trust and impact for others,” he said.
Liddell is available for interviews regarding strategies students can use to navigate a shifting workforce. He emphasized that preparation, not panic, is key for success.
