New grads caught in job fix

Many bosses won’t give them a shot in the workplace as they lack experience, writes Sooksodsai Sooksomchitra

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Despite having a degree in international relations from Thammasat University, one of the country's better known higher education institutions, graduate “Proud” Benchasmithyothin has been struggling in the job market.

"Most companies won't give fresh grads a shot," said Proud, 22, who is looking for a position in a public policy consultancy.

"I get it, they want value for their money. Employers just want someone who can already do the job. But that means we never get the chance to become that person."

Proud has been spending her time taking online courses in Excel and data analysis to enhance her employability.

"It's hard to even find an internship now. Companies mostly want third-year students, not fresh grads. It feels like we're locked out before we even start," she said.

"Companies shutting out fresh grads means we can't even build those skills," she says.

"It's a frustrating paradox: employers demand experience, but deny young people the very roles that would let them gain it."

Frustrations and anxiety are growing among young Thais, particularly regarding their job prospects, with much of it fuelled by Thailand's economic gloom, with government agencies predicting GDP will grow less than 2% this year.