Gen Z Job Seekers at Jakarta Job Fair Face Background Mismatch and Degree Dilemmas

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Finding a job that aligns with one’s educational background poses a challenge for a number of jobseekers from Generation Z. This is felt by Iki (23), a Civil Engineering graduate who says he has difficulty finding job vacancies relevant to his field. When he attended the Jakarta Job Fair at Gelanggang Remaja Jakarta Utara, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, he observed that most available vacancies were dominated by sales and marketing roles. Iki had actually worked after graduating in 2025. However, that job was considered not closely related to the Civil Engineering degree he studied, leading him to resign. “I want to try something new again, to develop further. But I want a role that matches my educational background,” he said. He also sees networking as an important factor for young people to secure employment. “If you’re looking for a job, it is quite tough. And if we don’t build networks, then it is indeed difficult,” he said. Iki hopes graduates who have completed higher education can obtain employment relevant to the knowledge studied at university. The same sentiment was expressed by Nabil Anis Sofar (19), a job seeker who is a graduate of a vocational high school (SMK). He says it is quite difficult to obtain work because many vacancies require a bachelor’s degree. According to Nabil, vacancies for SMK graduates still need to be increased so that new graduates have broader employment opportunities. “If possible, just increase the number of job vacancies. It would make it easier for job seekers,” he added.