Uncertain Future: Graduates Face Challenges Amid Policy Shifts
As they near the end of their college journey, many students are stepping into a world filled with uncertainty. A series of policy changes and executive orders, including a federal hiring freeze, are reshaping the landscape for new graduates.
In March, Liam Powell, a global health and policy major, was informed via email that the U.S. Department of State had canceled the Summer 2025 cycle of its Student Internship Program. This cancellation came in the wake of President Trump’s executive order instituting a hiring freeze across the federal workforce, aimed at reducing government inefficiency.
Powell, who attends Duke Kunshan University in China, said he anticipated the cancellation but found its timing unfortunate. He expressed feeling selfishly disappointed, recognizing that his career in international development was likely to be disrupted for a long time.
Federal Hiring Freeze Alters Career Paths
Powell’s aspirations to work for the federal government were dashed not just by the internship cancellation but also by subsequent sweeping cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These cuts were part of an effort to ensure that government spending strengthened the nation, resulting in significant layoffs.
The rapid changes and rescinded offers led Powell to reconsider his future. Despite this, he began a thesis project comparing USAID’s objectives under different administrations but faced challenges accessing data after changes in policy.
Ultimately, Powell decided to pursue further education in public health, seeing this as a detour while waiting for a more stable career environment. He remains hopeful about returning to government work someday.
Research Funding Cuts Impact Academic Aspirations
For Alyssa Johnson, a senior at Purdue University, the path to becoming a wildlife scientist has also been affected by policy changes. She applied to Ph.D. programs focusing on amphibian disease ecology but found that graduate admissions were limited due to universities pausing admissions and freezing hiring to cut costs.
Johnson, who has been researching amphibian populations for four years, was disappointed by the lack of openings and the changes in her life’s plans. She now aims to work in science communication, focusing on building public trust and correcting misinformation about scientific research.
Student Body President Adapts to Changing Environment
Bobby McAlpine, outgoing student body president at Ohio State, found support through the university’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. However, the office closed during his senior year due to the administration’s actions against DEI initiatives.
McAlpine organized a campaign against a state bill seeking to limit DEI and managed to redirect some scholarships and programs. He delayed his plans to attend law school, choosing to wait for a more stable future.
Despite challenges, McAlpine sees a positive side as students become more politically active and informed about government workings. He believes the current environment is shaping how students envision their future government.
