FOR years, students are taught that education is the key to a better future. They are encouraged to study hard, earn good grades and obtain a college degree because it would be the foundation of a successful career. Many spend four or more years sacrificing time, sleep and personal opportunities in pursuit of that goal. The robe, cap and tassel are  often considered as the reward for those sacrifices and the beginning of a professional career.

That belief began to feel distant the moment I started looking for a job. Last month, I spent weeks searching for employment. Everyday, I browsed online job postings, revised my curriculum vitae (CV) and submitted applications to different companies. I also traveled from Alabang Madrigal to Manila to attend interviews and personally submit my credentials. I was willing to start from the bottom, eager to learn and determined to build a career. Yet despite meeting my educational qualification, one reason repeatedly stood in my way—I had no work experience.

After hearing the same explanation from different employers, the excitement that came with graduating slowly turned into frustration. It became discouraging to realize that years of academic preparation could be overshadowed by a single qualification that fresh graduates naturally do not possess. 

Many entry-level jobs today require one to three years of experience, making it difficult for fresh graduates to start their careers. This creates a cycle where college graduates cannot gain experience because no one is willing to give them their first opportunity. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of unemployed Filipinos increased from 1.93 million in March 2025 to 2.58 million in March 2026, with the unemployment rate rising from 3.9% to 5.0% 

Holding a job fair is a good initiative, but its purpose is lost when not all degree programs are represented. Every graduating student deserves the opportunity to connect with employers in their chosen field. If the country’s education sector is truly committed to prepare students for the future, they must ensure that career opportunities are accessible to every graduate.