Earning a college degree is a major milestone — but for many recent grads, it doesn’t lead to the job they expected. That’s because in today’s workforce, especially in tech, employers expect more than a diploma. They want proof that you're ready to contribute on day one, with both technical and soft skills.

The Gap Between College and Careers

Studies show a growing disconnect between what colleges teach and what employers need. Universities emphasize academic theory and general knowledge, while tech employers prioritize hands-on experience, current tools, and real-world problem-solving.

•  43% of college grads are underemployed in their first job (Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 2025) 

•  50% of employers say graduates lack the skills they needed (All Work, 2025)

Why Employers Hesitate to Hire Recent Grads

According to a joint study by Workplace Intelligence and Hult International Business School, employers identified several key reasons they hesitate to hire recent college graduates:

• Lack of real-world experience (60%)

• Insufficient teamwork skills (55%)

• High training costs (53%)

• Inadequate skill sets (51%)

• Poor business etiquette (50%)

What Employers Actually Want

Today’s hiring managers are looking for candidates who bring:

• Hands-on experience using real tools and workflows

• Certifications that prove job-specific knowledge

• Soft skills like communication, collaboration, and adaptability

• Workplace readiness, including time management and professionalism

How You Can Stand Out

Whether you're new to tech or looking to pivot careers, here’s how to meet those expectations:

✅ Earn certifications tied to real roles (CompTIA, Google Ads, Microsoft Excel, Adobe)
✅ Practice with actual tools and platforms
✅ Strengthen soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
✅ Understand how your role supports the business, customers, and the team

How NuPaths Bridges the Gap

NuPaths goes beyond the classroom to get you career-ready. Every program includes:

• Industry-recognized certifications for tech, marketing, and cybersecurity roles

• Hands-on training aligned to real job tasks

• Career workshops covering job search, networking, and interviews

• Professional development in teamwork, communication, and business etiquette

These are the skills that set NuPaths grads apart — and help them land meaningful roles faster.

✅ Job-Ready Skills Checklist

Ask yourself:

• Do I have hands-on experience with tools employers use?

• Do I hold certifications in high-demand areas like networking or digital marketing?

• Can I confidently explain my value in an interview?

• Do I understand how to navigate the job market?

• Can I communicate clearly with teammates and customers?
• Am I comfortable solving problems independently or asking the right questions?

If not, NuPaths was built for you.

From Degree to Career — Faster

NuPaths helps you turn your education into action — combining certifications, hands-on training, career support, and soft skills development to help you move forward with confidence.