It used to be simple. Graduate college, land an entry-level job, work hard, move up.

But for the Class of 2025 and beyond, that model is breaking down. Entry-level jobs are disappearing, internships are more competitive than ever, and many roles that once gave young professionals a starting point are now automated, outsourced, or labeled “junior” while still requiring two years of experience.

The first rung of the career ladder is missing. And no one is going to build it for you.

The Entry-Level Job Is No Longer Entry-Level

In theory, entry-level roles should be designed to teach you how to work — how to collaborate, communicate, solve real problems, and grow into larger responsibilities. In practice, many companies now expect entry-level hires to arrive with skills already polished and workflows already understood.

Here’s why:

• Companies cut costs by eliminating training
• AI is automating repetitive tasks once handled by junior hires
• “Do more with less” pressure means managers don’t have time to mentor
• Resumes without direct experience are filtered out by software before a human sees them

What’s left are roles that look entry-level in title but require mid-level experience in reality. Students graduate ready to learn but find that the learning phase no longer exists in most roles.

Internships Used to Be the Bridge. Now They’re a Gate.

Internships once helped students gain experience and make the leap to full-time roles. But now, even internships require prior experience.

Many top companies no longer offer meaningful intern opportunities. Those that do receive thousands of applications for a few positions. In some industries, internship acceptance rates are more selective than Ivy League admissions.

This has turned internships from steppingstones into gatekeeping tools — filtering who gets a shot and who doesn’t, regardless of long-term potential.

What This Means for You

If you’re entering the workforce now, you can’t rely on job boards and hope a company will train you. You can’t expect that your first job will be clearly marked as a starting point. And you definitely can’t wait for someone to guide you up the ladder.

You need to create your own structure. One that gets you noticed, builds your skills, and positions you as someone who’s already halfway up.

Here’s What That Looks Like

1. Build a professional brand before you apply.
   Your resume isn’t your starting point — your brand is. A sharp LinkedIn profile, a personal website, and a clear narrative about who you are and what you offer make you stand out before you even enter the race.
2. Master the tools companies expect you to know.
   Don’t wait for a job to teach you the basics. Whether it’s Excel, Figma, HubSpot, Salesforce, or AI-assisted research, learn the tools that show up in your target job descriptions. Even basic fluency separates you from the average applicant.
3. Make networking a daily habit.
   The ladder may be gone, but people are still climbing. Connect with them. Learn from them. Reach out to peers, alumni, and early-career professionals. The more relationships you build, the more doors you open. This is not optional — it’s foundational.
4. Work in public.
   Create a body of work that lives online. Share your thinking, your projects, and your process. Whether it’s short posts on LinkedIn, a digital portfolio, or reflections on what you’re learning, show hiring managers how you think and what you care about.
5. Create opportunity through outreach.
   Instead of waiting for jobs to be posted, reach out to people inside your target companies. Ask smart questions. Offer value. Stay in touch. The roles worth having are often created when the right person shows up, not when the job gets posted.
6. Invest in coaching, feedback, and iteration.
   Professional athletes have coaches. Entrepreneurs have mentors. You need the same. Get real feedback on your communication, outreach, and interview performance. Iterate your approach like you would a product. Don’t do this alone.

PrepU Helps You Build a Ladder That Works

We don’t wait for the system to open a door. We build one.

At PrepU, we help you:

• Define your direction and tell your story in a way that gets attention
• Create a professional presence that positions you for strategic conversations
• Connect with decision-makers before roles are posted
• Prepare for interviews with confidence and clarity
• Launch a job search campaign designed to generate responses and build momentum

We don’t believe in waiting for the old career ladder to be rebuilt. We help you build something better — faster, more personalized, and more effective.

There Is a Path. You Just Have to Create It

The rules have changed. But that doesn’t mean the game is unwinnable.

Today’s most successful young professionals aren’t waiting for permission to start. They’re designing their own career paths through branding, networking, and proactive outreach. They’re learning how to make opportunities instead of chasing them.

You don’t need a perfect resume or a lucky break. You need a system, a strategy, and a starting point you can control.

Because while the old ladder may be broken, there are still ways to rise. And PrepU can help you build every step.