Jayden Kauser, a 22-year-old psychology and counselling graduate from the University of Wolverhampton, has been forced to apply for Universal Credit after submitting nearly 600 job applications in the year since his undergraduate graduation. Despite being on track to earn a master's degree later this year, he has secured only two interviews.
Overqualified for entry-level roles
Kauser, from Tipton, said most rejections cited him as "overqualified" for positions at retailers like Primark, Costa, and McDonald's. Many responses offered no personalised reason for rejection. "It's frustrating," he said. "I have a degree and everyone said it would be hard to get a job after, [but] I didn't think it would be this hard because no one cares if you have a degree."
Student debt and the decision to claim benefits
Having accumulated what he estimates to be £70,000 or £80,000 in student debt, Kauser described the decision to claim Jobseeker's Allowance as his "only option left." He said: "I finally decided I would go on Universal Credit and do Jobseeker's. I never really wanted to. I thought, no, I've got my degree. I've spent hours, years putting effort into it."
Work experience not enough
Despite gaining work experience and unpaid volunteering, Kauser has struggled to find employment. "Sometimes it just feels like everyone else around me is getting work and they have fewer qualifications," he added. He called on the Government to create a programme of "temporary long-term jobs" for young people to gain experience before entering the full-time job market.
Uncertain future after master's degree
Looking ahead, Kauser admitted he does not know what will happen after he completes his master's degree, but hopes it will open doors to a career as a counsellor. He shared his story to highlight the challenges faced by graduates in the current job market.
