Seniors at Concordia University Nebraska Face Competitive Job Market

Graduates in various majors share challenges finding positions that match their experience and desired locations

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:10pm

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An extremely blurred and abstracted image composed of soft, warm-toned shapes and pools of light, conceptually representing the uncertain and competitive job search process for recent college graduates.As Concordia University Nebraska seniors navigate a challenging job market, the uncertainty and competitive nature of the post-graduation search is reflected in a hazy, dreamlike visual metaphor.Lincoln Today

Seniors at Concordia University Nebraska are facing a challenging job market as they prepare to graduate, with many struggling to find positions that align with their experience and preferred locations. Students across majors, including graphic design, geography, biology, psychology, and education, are reporting difficulties securing entry-level roles, often requiring 1-2 years of prior experience. Some are exploring alternative paths like internships, rostered church work, and graduate school to gain more experience and opportunities.

Why it matters

The struggles faced by Concordia seniors reflect broader trends in the job market for young adults, with many entry-level positions requiring significant prior experience. This can make it difficult for recent graduates to find suitable roles, especially in competitive fields or desired geographic areas. The university's efforts to prepare students for the workforce are also highlighted, as professors emphasize the importance of internships and gaining real-world experience.

The details

Seniors at Concordia University Nebraska are encountering a competitive job market as they approach graduation, with many reporting difficulties finding positions that match their experience and desired locations. Graphic design major Lily Beck has struggled to find entry-level roles in her field, which often require 3-5 years of experience. Geography major Simon Blankenship has faced similar challenges, noting that the current job market environment is the primary issue, rather than his specific degree. Biology major Hayley Miles is focusing on securing internships to gain experience and settle on a permanent job, while psychology and criminal justice major Autumn Consier is having trouble finding roles in her degree area, particularly in her preferred geographic location.

  • Seniors are currently in the process of searching for jobs and securing positions for after graduation.
  • Many seniors will be graduating from Concordia University Nebraska in May 2026.

The players

Lily Beck

A senior graphic design major at Concordia University Nebraska who has had trouble finding entry-level jobs in her field due to the competitive job market.

Simon Blankenship

A senior geography major at Concordia University Nebraska who has faced challenges finding positions that match his experience, citing the current job market environment as the primary issue.

Hayley Miles

A senior biology major at Concordia University Nebraska who is focusing on securing internships to gain experience and settle on a permanent job after graduation.

Autumn Consier

A senior psychology and criminal justice major at Concordia University Nebraska who is having difficulty finding a job in her degree area, primarily due to the geographic location she wants to work in.

Dr. Andrew Langewisch

A professor of business administration at Concordia University Nebraska who is confident that the university's graduates are properly prepared for real-world jobs, especially once they get past the entry-level market.

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What they’re saying

“If you look at [job postings], they want one to two years of experience on anything that pays well that's permanent. Any senior, and a lot of young adults I know who aren't geographers are facing the exact same problems. It's just the market; it's a very tumultuous time for young adults in America.”

— Simon Blankenship, Senior geography major

“Chances are, your first position is not your last. So, if a person is in kind of an entry-level position, and then after a couple of years they switch to something else, are they better suited to the training they had here at Concordia? Probably yes.”

— Dr. Andrew Langewisch, Professor of business administration

“Concordia has a fantastic education program with amazing professors, and interviewers know this. Lean into this and know that we are trained and taught well. Wherever you end up teaching, God has placed you there with purpose and on purpose to be a light to the students, the staff, and the community.”

— Kiera Moses, Senior elementary education major

What’s next

Many seniors at Concordia University Nebraska are continuing to search for job opportunities, attend interviews, and explore alternative paths like internships, rostered church work, and graduate school to gain more experience and find suitable positions after graduation.

The takeaway

The challenges faced by Concordia seniors in finding jobs that match their experience and desired locations reflect broader trends in the job market for young adults, highlighting the importance of internships, networking, and gaining real-world experience to stand out in a competitive environment. The university's efforts to prepare students for the workforce are also showcased, with professors emphasizing the value of a Concordia education.