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It’s definitely a fast-changing environment right now. It’s ebbing and flowing a bit. There are some sectors that are being adversely impacted significantly more than others based on just general economic factors, federal policies and so forth.

But even within that, we’re still seeing a good range of opportunities for students driven by the ongoing need for companies to attract great talent.

Obviously, a lot has happened since . There’s some uncertainty in different sectors, and in different ways, but I think those main reasons for why there was a projected increase still hold true: Companies are prioritizing their talent pipeline. This is reflected in the latest NACE survey update indicating that the vast majority of participating employers are still planning to at least maintain their levels of hiring activity this year compared to last.

Certainly, the STEM fields. Various health care-related fields continue to have robust levels of hiring. Within those, nursing continues to be in high demand. So are various areas of engineering. I would say the civil engineering space is one where there has been a dearth in talent and graduates coming out of programs just in terms of sheer numbers compared to what the need is.

Also, anything that’s involved with supply chains or logistics or operations planning, along with jobs tied to some areas of manufacturing, infrastructure and development. Some nonprofit and social assistance organizations have been actively hiring, which can be strong fits for graduates coming out of sociology, psychology, public health and other programs.

There’s opportunity within nearly every space, but those are the ones that sort of stand out in terms of where some of the heavier interest has been most recently on the recruiting end.

Citi, M&T Bank, Moog, Kaleida, Catholic Health, ITT, Tesla, Google, Regeneron, Odoo, Micron Technology, the New York State Department of Civil Service and Roswell Park Cancer Institute, to name a few.

Communication, problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively within teams are at the forefront of what recruiters are prioritizing. Also, demonstrating adaptability and initiative are also highly valued, especially through any previous work-based experiences.

Focus both on the visible job market, as well as the hidden job market. Not just those opportunities that are posted and you’re applying to, but also taking a relational approach to your job search. You know, building meaningful connections and relationships, including with UB alumni, who are a really vast network and supportive community.

With the onset of AI, which is an incredible tool, do use all the technology available. But avoid having it overly generalize how you’re representing yourself as a candidate, or how you’re communicating to others.

We hear from recruiters quite a bit that what they struggle with is trying to find candidates who are actually expressing themselves in their authentic voice. Everyone’s stories are sounding the same. Everyone’s experience is coming across the same.

Sharing your individual stories, and why you’re interested in the job or role you’re pursuing, is more important than ever now because it really helps you stand out.

Try to be as flexible as possible in terms of what that next step might look like. A graduate may have a really strong interest, let’s say, in working for an area of health care or an area within the government or public service, but that avenue might not be accessible right now based on what’s happening in the broader economy or the federal level.

But other areas are accessible, so just be open to what those experiences might be as a first step in your career journey.