El Paso's Young Graduates Face Tough Internship Market Amid Job Slowdown

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AI Summary
As the job market tightens, young graduates in El Paso and beyond are struggling to secure internships, which are crucial for launching their careers. Muneeb Iqbal, a soon-to-be graduate from USC, has submitted over 4,000 applications without success, highlighting a trend where entry-level positions are increasingly filled by more experienced candidates. Nationally, internship postings have decreased, with fierce competition leading to an average of 109 applications per posting. This situation is exacerbated by a 6.4% unemployment rate among 20 to 24-year-olds, significantly higher than the national average. The ongoing global conflicts may also further hinder hiring opportunities, impacting the future career trajectories of young job seekers.
Key Details: • Muneeb Iqbal has applied to over 4,000 jobs with no offers. • Internship postings fell below 2019 levels, with pharmacy leading at 15.5%. • Young adults aged 20-24 face a 6.4% unemployment rate. • Internships are critical; 80% of graduates with work experience get hired soon after graduation.