Posted by MITthrow123 4/7/2025
Ask HN: I'm an MIT senior and still unemployed – and so are most of my friends
It's honestly demoralizing. I came to MIT hoping to build a better life—not just for myself, but for my family. Now I’m facing the very real possibility of moving back home to an unstable and abusive environment while continuing to job hunt. The thought alone is crushing. I’ve even considered staying for an MEng just to avoid going home, but I’m completely burnt out and have no thesis direction. MIT gave me freedom, food security, friends, a bed of my own for the first time. It changed everything. But now that graduation’s here, it feels like it’s all slipping away.
If you've been through something similar—late job search success, unexpected turns that worked out, or just any advice—I’d really appreciate it. What helped you push through when it felt like the system failed you?
Thanks for reading.
But to be sure I served with two amazing MIT NROTC grads in my sea tour. You do what you have to do.
0. It's not you, it's the job market and economic cycle. Many companies aren't hiring much at the moment because of economic uncertainty and unrealistic enthusiasm about AI-fueled automation. But the good (?) news is they are trying to cut costs by laying off senior people and hiring junior people like you. Keep applying.
1. You could lean into the EE side of things. Analog and digital design are still needed as we move into the era of RISC-V, robotics, AR/VR, self-driving cars, etc. You likely have a decent project portfolio already from your coursework. Also power engineering and efficiency are important at all scales.
2. An MEng from MIT (or another good school/program) would probably be interesting, challenging and fun, and you'd pick up some additional skills. It would also enable you to apply for internships, which can be easier to get than full-time/"permanent" positions, and can lead to the latter. Try to get teaching or research assistantships to avoid or reduce debt (even if it takes longer, it's worth it.) And you could potentially do a Ph.D. later on if it turns out that you like research.
3. Economic downturns can be good times to start companies because there are more people on the job market. Also you may be able to get good deals on office and lab space and equipment if you need it.
4. If you can't join a startup as a co-founder, you may be able to join as staff. Make sure they pay you a salary though.
5. Look into temporary or contract work, or any job you can get that pays money, ideally enough for food and rent in a starving student type shared residence. Then keep looking for something better.
You might also attempt a "research staff" role at MIT. They used to have those back in the days and might still have them.
That would let you sit out the current craze and learn some useful things meanwhile.
That being said, the whole tariff situation is creating a dark cloud over all jobs
If you're looking at your long term career trajectory you're probably better off taking a (maybe much) lower paying job in the area you want to end up in. Grow relevant skills and gain experience
Of course this is irrelevant if you just need money to survive today
Most of the comments highlight that you will likely be several years behind the curve of cohorts before you just because of when you were born and went to school. I agree with that. However, it can be overcome, you will simply have to work harder at it. You will likely have to change jobs more often, ideally within the same company. This means you will have less comfort and calm in your early days, but it can help catch you up to where you expected to be.
Good luck. You have to stay positive to succeeed at this.