Cap, gown and chaos: How to start strong in an unpredictable economy

You made it! Cap and gown, diploma in hand—and you’re stepping into the next phase of your life. However, graduating right now means entering a world of economic ambiguity. Whether it’s headlines about inflation and hiring freezes or student loan bills showing up in your inbox, new graduates are facing an uncertain landscape.

“It’s hard to graduate into uncertainty,” said Jillian Russell, a retirement plans educator at BOK Financial®. “But with informed strategies and adaptability, it’s possible to navigate these challenges successfully.”

The big picture: What’s going on with the economy?
The U.S. economy right now is a mixed bag, according to Russell. Some indicators suggest resilience, while others point to potential slowdowns. A deceleration in economic growth is expected, with inflation remaining a concern and higher interest rates than in the past. That said, we’re not in a recession.

“For the past four years we’ve been preparing for a recession that hasn’t materialized and we’re still waiting,” said Russell.

However, the mixed signals are still making businesses cautious, prompting consumers to spend more selectively and encouraging everyone to keep an eye on interest rates. Altogether, things aren’t falling apart—but they’re shifting.

The job market for early-career pros
Graduates today are facing a different reality than grads did even three years ago when the job market was red hot. Internships are more competitive and artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how companies build their teams, according to reports by Handshake and McKinsey Digital.

“There are job opportunities available, but unemployment has ticked up,” said Russell.

BOK Financial Accelerated Career Track Program Associate Corbin Zaldivar knows firsthand about the current job market. As a fairly recent graduate himself, he says many entry-level roles now expect more experience or hybrid skills—think project management and data analysis or writing and SEO.

But don’t panic. Plenty of employers still need fresh talent. Nearly 90% of employers anticipate increasing (24.6%) or maintaining (64.6%) hiring levels for the college Class of 2025, according to NACE’s Job Outlook 2025 Spring Update.

Gen Z in the workplace
Gen Z is the most educated and credentialed group we’ve seen coming out of school, says Aerika Morris, client service director at BOK Financial. And yet, Gen Z graduates face higher termination rates, as employers cite skill gaps and professionalism issues.

Morris, who mentors a variety of young professionals, said employers want proof you’re adaptable and consistent, plus that you have a strong work ethic, good social skills and the readiness to learn fast.

“You must present yourself as a professional adult. Companies are looking for a brand ambassador. Show up as your authentic self, but in a consistently professional way,” emphasized Morris.

Zaldivar’s advice to his cohort is to prepare for a giant shift from school to working life.

He suggests being open to new routines and habits. “Your life is going to change when you’re adding a 40-hour-a-week job to everything you already do.”

Student loan payments are back—now what?
After a long pause, federal student loan payments have restarted, and many new grads are figuring out how to budget in anticipation of that added expense line item.

Russell recommends following these steps:

• Get clear on what you owe. Check your loan status and clarify exactly what you owe and your interest rate. Focus on paying off high-interest loans first. Income-driven repayment plans can make monthly payments more manageable.
• Look for employer benefits. Some companies now offer student loan help as part of their benefits package; these are definitely worth asking about during job interviews.
• Stay in touch with your loan servicer. If you’re struggling, the worst thing you can do is ignore the situation. Call your loan company. Options like deferments or forbearance are always better than ignoring the problem. Don’t ruin your credit by not making payments. Avoid default at all costs.

Job hunting
If you haven’t landed a full-time role yet, don’t get discouraged. Zaldivar says it’s not uncommon for his peers to job hunt for three to nine months right now before landing a job.

While you’re searching, Aimee Schwartz, director of talent acquisition at BOK Financial recommends:

• Consider short-term or contract roles: Don’t rule out:
• Temp work
• Contract jobs
• Freelance gigs
• Internships or apprenticeships

These can build experience, pay the bills and often lead to full-time offers.

• Network: Many jobs are filled by people with a personal connection, not just applicants who hit “apply.” Reach out to alumni from your school on LinkedIn. Tell friends, family, professors and mentors you’re job hunting.


• Prep for interviews: Be punctual, have a good attitude and do your research about the company beforehand.


• Check your online profiles: Have a professional headshot and clearly articulate who you are on LinkedIn and other social media platforms (and consider what’s public online because employers will search for you and see what you’ve put out there).

If your dream industry is in a slump, don’t give it up—just consider other opportunities as a temporary pivot, suggests Schwartz.

“Don’t be afraid to take a job that doesn’t exactly fit your industry expectations. You never know if you’ll find an unexpected calling,” she said.

How to start saving when money feels tight
It’s hard to save when you’re just starting out, especially when rent and groceries are more expensive than ever. However, you need savings in case of an emergency or if you’d like to take the next big step, like buying a house.

“Small steps now really do add up. Time is on your side when it comes to saving. Saving $25 a month at 21 is better than saving $200 a month at 40.”

- Jillian Russell, a retirement plans educator at BOK Financial

She suggested five places to focus:

1. Set a budget. Develop a realistic budget and stick to it. Set yourself up for success by knowing exactly where your money is going each month. It’s not about how much money you make; it’s about how much money you spend and save.
2. Start with an emergency fund. Start by saving $500–$1,000 as fast as you can. Then build up to three to six months-worth of living expenses over the next one to two years.
3. Automate your savings. Even $25 a paycheck going into a high-yield savings account is better than nothing.
4. Don’t fall into lifestyle inflation. Once you land a job and start earning more, resist the urge to upgrade your life too quickly. Instead, focus on paying off debt and saving. “Lifestyle creep is real,” said Russell. “It’s better to delay big expenses like a new car or getting your own place while you’re young and used to it, than to realize you’re broke and have no choice but to move back in with your parents when you’re 30.”
5. Always contribute to your 401(k). Even if you don’t see yourself at the company long-term, you should still contribute to your retirement account. You can always take your accounts with you when you land your next big role.

Remember, the goal isn’t to save huge amounts right away—it’s to build the habit.

You’ve got this
For many, graduating isn’t as simple as flipping a tassel and starting a dream job two weeks later, but don’t let today’s uncertainty write your whole story.

Focus on what’s in your hands—building skills, growing your network, managing your money and staying flexible. The economy might be shaky, but your future doesn’t have to be.