Every year, thousands of students walk the stage with degrees in hand, only to find the college graduates job search far more difficult than expected. According to a recent PRWeb report, 75% of college seniors will enter the job market without a job offer in hand.
That figure is startling. Yet as the founder of a healthcare staffing firm, I see another side of the story: employers are actively hiring—but struggling to find candidates ready to work.
The Harsh Truth About Today’s College Graduates Job Search
The job market isn’t broken—but the approach to job hunting is.
- Many graduates hold degrees but not always the soft skills, professional habits, or industry understanding employers value.
- Employers still emphasize experience for roles that could be entry points.
- Job seekers often rely too heavily on job boards, missing opportunities shared through recruiters or referrals.
At The AGA Group, we help close this gap. We guide candidates to highlight their value, adjust their approach, and connect with healthcare employers open to training and mentorship.
Healthcare Is the Career Opportunity Most Grads Overlook
The healthcare industry continues to expand and diversify, making it one of the most reliable and mission-driven fields for new grads.
- Consistent Demand: Healthcare staffing needs grow each year.
- Impactful Work: Graduates looking for purpose will find it here.
- Upward Mobility: Many roles include training and pathways to long-term growth.
Even non-clinical roles in dental, behavioral health, and administrative settings offer job stability. These jobs often remain invisible to grads focused on “big name” industries.
Smart Moves for New Grads Navigating the Job Market
If you’re entering the workforce, you need more than a degree—you need a strategy:
- Tailor your resume to the position and focus on your transferable strengths.
- Polish your online presence and use LinkedIn as a networking tool.
- Partner with a recruiter who understands your goals and industry.
- Stay flexible about job titles and sectors. Some of the best careers start in unexpected places.
The AGA Group has placed candidates who started in entry-level healthcare roles and are now running practices. It starts with showing up, staying coachable, and being seen.
How Employers Can Rethink Entry-Level Hiring
Hiring based only on experience limits your options. We encourage healthcare practices to look at:
- Potential over perfection. Motivated graduates can become top performers with the right support.
- Soft skills as assets. Communication, teamwork, and reliability often matter more than technical know-how.
Our recruiting team helps employers in Kansas and Missouri identify early-career candidates who can grow into leadership—and stay longer because they’re invested from the start.
Navigating the College Graduates Job Search in Healthcare
The AGA Group provides:
- Resume guidance and interview coaching
- A Talent Showcase that introduces new grads to employers
- Access to healthcare opportunities few graduates know about
If you’re struggling to get hired, or if your team is struggling to hire—let’s talk. We’re bridging both sides of the college graduates job search.
About the Author Greg Ikner is the founder and President of The AGA Group™, a leading healthcare staffing and executive search firm based in Kansas City. With more than 45 years of industry experience, Greg has helped hundreds of healthcare employers across Missouri and Kansas build high-performing teams—while guiding thousands of professionals toward meaningful careers. A recognized authority in medical, dental, and executive recruiting, Greg is passionate about workforce strategy, leadership development, and closing the gap between employer needs and emerging talent. Through The AGA Group™, he delivers people-first staffing solutions that drive long-term impact for both candidates and organizations.
Kansas City. With more than 45 years of industry experience, Greg has helped hundreds of healthcare employers across Missouri and Kansas build high-performing teams—while guiding thousands of professionals toward meaningful careers. A recognized authority in medical, dental, and executive recruiting, Greg is passionate about workforce strategy, leadership development, and closing the gap between employer needs and emerging talent. Through The AGA Group™, he delivers people-first staffing solutions that drive long-term impact for both candidates and organizations.
