The Degree Isn’t Enough Anymore — And Honestly, It Never Was

A response to NBC’s “A Black Hole: New Graduates Discover a Dismal Job Market”

I’ve been side-eyeing the college-to-career pipeline since 2007. And after reading NBC’s latest piece on how new grads are hitting a wall in the job market, I’m convinced more than ever:
The system was never really built to help us thrive — it was built to keep us paying.

The article shared stories of students who did everything right — got the degree, stacked up internships, followed the traditional path — and still can’t land a job. And honestly, it tracks. Because in today’s market, credentials alone are not the differentiator. Everyone has access to courses, bootcamps, and certificates now.

The playing field is crowded.

So what does give you an edge in 2025?

From what I’ve seen — both in the market and in my own experience — there are four key factors that matter more than your degree ever will:

1️⃣ Visibility

It’s not just what you know — it’s who knows you. Were you active in school or past roles? Did people see you take initiative? Whether it’s leading projects, contributing to communities, or just consistently showing up, visibility builds trust. People don’t recommend ghosts.

2️⃣ Who You Know

This one’s straightforward: networking still matters. It’s not about being extroverted — it’s about building genuine relationships. People hire people they know, like, and trust. Especially now.

3️⃣ Unique Skill Stack

Not just skills — but a combination of them that tells a story. Maybe you dabbled in UX during your admin job. Or you learned project management on the side while tutoring part-time. Those intersections are what make you stand out — not a generic “Bachelor’s in Communications.”

4️⃣ Personality & Work Style

Can you communicate clearly? Take feedback? Work independently and collaborate when needed? More than ever, companies are hiring for how you work, not just what you’ve done. Especially in remote or hybrid environments, your mindset and energy matter.

💥 The Harsh Truth

One guy in the article had three years of experience from internships and a degree — and still no job. That’s not a failure on his part. That’s a system problem. But it also shows how crucial it is to go beyond the checkbox approach to career-building. Experience alone isn’t enough anymore — it’s how you leverage it, package it, and connect it to who you are.