Take 5: Alex Hochman Talks About the Job Market for College Grads

1. You’ve been at USF, working in career services, for more than 20 years. Is the job landscape as bleak as is being reported?

The market is more competitive, but not as bleak as some headlines suggest. We’ve seen a quick reversal from the recent days when tech roles were considered a guaranteed job and an instant six-figure path. That can feel discouraging, especially for students who grew up being told that coding was the golden ticket.

2. What’s causing the disruption in hiring?

Uncertainty is the biggest factor. CEOs are worried about tariffs, inflation, and the impact of new technology, so they’re slowing down hiring decisions. Artificial intelligence is also changing expectations for entry-level work, which makes things confusing for both employers and students. Organizations are still figuring out how to use AI and what skills they need from young talent, so we are in a messy in-between moment. It’s disruptive, but also transitional.

3. What are some trends you’re seeing for USF grads and jobs?

Health care, finance, education, and nonprofits are hiring. Students who adapt their skills to different contexts — for example, bringing tech skills into health care or nonprofit organizations — are finding good opportunities. At the same time, the local economy is showing signs of renewal. San Francisco just led the nation in year-over-year office recovery, driven by AI startups, new leases, and a wave of restaurants and retail opening downtown. That momentum matters because so many of our students stay here after graduation, and it means they’re stepping into a city that is rebounding with energy and opportunity.

4. How is USF preparing students to land jobs when they graduate?

We’re embedding career readiness into the USF experience. That means integrating internships, class projects, and/or research into every major, not just leaving it up to seniors to figure stuff out at the last minute. Nursing students graduate with amazing relevant experience gained during their clinical rotations, which is a big part of why their job outcomes are so strong. We’re building a similar “experience-focused” model across the university, with treks to employers; smaller, themed on-campus recruiting events; alumni mentorship; and tools like Handshake to connect students directly with opportunities.

5. Any parting words of encouragement?

We remind our students and young alums that a first job is not a forever job but instead is a launchpad. The near future may be uncertain, but leaving USF with hard skills, strong networks, and confidence ensures our graduates can thrive in whatever comes next.