BUFFALO, N.Y. — Since graduating from SUNY Buffalo State with a degree in hospitality and tourism this spring, Julianna Kraft has been on the job hunt. She spends much of her time on the computer — searching for the right one.

"Really investing a lot of time into my resume, into researching positions," she said.

What You Need To Know

  • Recent graduates are entering the workforce as the COVID-19 pandemic continues

  • Lauren Lewis, a partner Staff Buffalo, has seen a shift in the past year as we come through the pandemic — with more companies ready to hire now

  • Lewis suggests people looking for a job stay focused and organized, using job sites to target what they’re looking for, and network with as many people as possible

  • Despite the difficulties, Julianna Kraft is still optimistic about her chances of landing a job that utilizes her skills in the near future

Like it is for many new college grads, this is a stressful time — especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. She’s had several interviews and applied for more positions, but no luck so far.

"I have bills to pay,” she said. “I have a couple part time jobs that I’m doing on the side and that’s really not enough. I have to be living very, very frugally, more so than I have been.”

Despite the difficulties, she’s still optimistic about her chances of landing a job that utilizes her skills in the near future.

"I think it’s also helping me learn about myself,” Kraft said. “It’s helping me define what I want to do and what I’m actually interested in.”

Lauren Lewis is a partner Staff Buffalo, a company that matches employers with job seekers. She has seen a shift in the past year as we come through the pandemic — with more companies ready to hire now.

“There are actually a lot of jobs right now,” Lewis said. “It’s so different compared to a year ago. I think that the class of 2021 is in a much better spot compared to the class of 2020 because 2020 there was so much uncertainty around the pandemic."

Lewis suggests people looking for a job stay focused and organized, using job sites to target what they’re looking for, and network with as many people as possible.

"As long as they’re hungry and eager for that next position and determined to make those connections, they’ll have no problem finding a job that will get them excited to start their career," Lewis said.

For Kraft, she’s considering a wide variety of opportunities, ready to work hard for a spot to land something that fits her aspirations in the hospitality and tourism industry.  

"I’d like to get into a position where I can start right off the bat learning something new and developing new strengths," she said.

She is keeping a positive outlook as she enters uncertain times.