B2 – Upper Intermediate
Earning a college degree has long been viewed as a reliable pathway to a stable career and financial security. However, in recent years, many U.S. college graduates are finding that the job market is anything but guaranteed.
A significant number struggle to land full-time positions, face a high degree of underemployment, or end up in jobs unrelated to their fields of study. This challenging reality raises urgent questions about the value of higher education, the readiness of graduates, and the alignment between academic programs and the evolving demands of employers.
Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “stand out” mean? “Jaimee del Piano thought her credentials would stand out.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “turbulent” mean in this sentence, “Graduates are entering a turbulent economy with more competition for entry-level positions.” Use the word in your own sentence. Give a synonym.
- What is “grit“? “Many successful people achieve their goals not just through talent, but through grit and persistence.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think a college degree still guarantees a good job in today’s economy? Explain.
- Should universities focus more on teaching practical job skills rather than theory? Elaborate.
- How can the education system and employers work together to better prepare students for the job market?
- What are the main reasons many U.S. college graduates struggle to find stable employment after graduation?
- Do fresh graduates in your country share the same struggles? Talk about the situation.