There is a widespread agreement that new graduates entering the labour market during an economic recession suffer large, negative, scarring, and persistent consequences, notably high unemployment rates. Since last year, researchers and experts are voicing their concerns about the consequences of the unprecedented pandemic-driven economic crisis on the labour market outcomes of the class of 2020. However, studies on graduates’ perception on the difficulties faced during their transition is still missing. This raises the following questions: How did recent graduates react and adapt to the labour market changes and restrictions caused by the pandemic? How did this context affect their perception of job prospects? This study draws on 42 news articles, collected between March and September 2020, with statements from graduates (n= 86) on the impacts of the pandemic in a set of European and non-European countries. The sample of graduates is mostly under the age of 25, of a bachelor or master’s degrees, in hard and soft fields of education. Qualitative content analysis was performed to identify the main themes and trends of the statements. Empirical evidence indicates that some graduates are actively engaged in job search and are more confident regarding the future, while others are hopeless and delayed job applications. According to the concepts usually used in labour market statistics, we label the former Unemployed, and the latter Discouraged. The Unemployed show resilience to cope with unemployment and draw attention to labour market signals. They are applying to several jobs, are available for any type of job, even outside their field of education. Some have changed search strategy or are investing in gaining new skills. Many relativise difficulties and scape from a negative viewpoint or experience. They are hopeful and believe in the improvement of the labour market conditions. The Discouraged are disappointed; they expected an easy transition, but their perceived employability was affected by the pandemic. Nowadays, they are uncertain and have little expectations on getting a job. Some underline the lack of vacancies and therefore are not looking for a job. We also found statements of psychological distress, notably anxiety, stress, and fear. They are insistent on lives in limbo. The Discouraged expect lasting effects of the pandemic on their careers; there is a believe that the opportunities will certainly be lower and constrained. Some of the sampled graduates lament lack of social protection. It seems that young people have been left out of the policy discussions and decisions regarding the pandemic. Policy makers should urgently attend to young people concerns and design proper educational and labour market policies, as well as provide social assistance. This specific social group is struggling against employers’ hiring plans or the freezing of all hiring, cancellation of internship programmes and the rescinding of agreed internships or job offers. Greater efforts are required globally to buffer these effects and avoid a whole generation being lost.

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graduates,transition labour market,pandemic,news articles