Gen Z Americans face grim job market amid DOGE chaos

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Gen Z graduates are now entering an uncertain job market. With nearly 2 million students graduating this spring, industries like tech, finance, and consulting are already in hiring slumps. Now, government positions—once seen as a haven of stability—are increasingly out of reach.

Tech layoffs and government cuts shake career plans

Ryan Kim, a college senior, had meticulously charted his career path, aiming first for tech and later public service. But as graduation approaches, his plans have unraveled. 

After securing a coveted internship at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kim hoped to transition into a stable government role. 

However, the recent turmoil triggered by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative has led to widespread federal hiring freezes, abruptly ending his internship and leaving him scrambling for alternatives. 

“It’s been a huge source of stress,” Kim told Business Insider. “Most of the private industry has already hired their graduating students.”

Government cuts ripple across multiple sectors

The effects of DOGE extend beyond federal agencies. Businesses, nonprofits, and universities reliant on government contracts are also feeling the pinch. Even graduate school—a traditional fallback during economic downturns—may not be viable if federal financial aid programs falter. 

Saskia Campbell, executive director of university career services at George Mason University, expressed concern: “The impact is broad scale. There is this sense of grief, of loss of opportunity. This is the first year I’m actually concerned.”

Adding to the uncertainty are President Donald Trump’s tariff wars, which have prompted companies to delay hiring decisions across various sectors. 

“Two years ago, the bulk of the uncertainty and fear was in Big Tech. Now it feels uncertain in a lot of areas,” said Briana Randall from the University of Washington. 

Students turn to pragmatism over passion

Faced with instability in almost every field, many students are prioritizing job security over idealism. 

Sarina Parsapasand, a public policy major at USC, initially aimed for government service but has shifted her focus to private-sector roles. “I have bills to pay,” she explained. “I can’t take the risk of being in a job that doesn’t guarantee stability.”

Katie Schwartz, a sophomore at Tulane, added, “It’s less about finding a job you really love now and more just about finding a job that’s going to give you job stability.”