We’ve all seen it , a job posting on Handshake labeled "Entry-Level" that immediately turns around and asks for three to five years of experience. It’s a frustrating irony that makes you wonder who these roles are actually for. At UIC, we’re doing everything right, we’re hitting the books, building our skills, and getting our degrees, but we’re still being shut out by unrealistic requirements before we even get an interview. Our campaign, “Qualified, but still unemployed,” isn’t just a slogan; it’s the reality for many of us. National data shows that while the economy is moving, 20 to 24 year-olds are still getting left behind by a hiring system that feels rigged against the very people it’s supposed to welcome. We believe unemployment is often a systemic failure of how jobs are posted, not a reflection of our potential.

We’re moving past the frustration and taking the data straight to the source. After auditing Handshake and UIC Business Career Center listings, we’ve seen firsthand how these "experience walls" discourage students and create unnecessary barriers. We are calling on the UIC Career Center and its partners to step up and lead the way in fair hiring. We are demanding a standardized "0–1 year experience" tag for all true entry level roles so students know exactly where they stand. We’re also pushing for updated employer guidelines and a formal student and employer roundtable by April 1st to bridge the gap between what recruiters want and what new grads can actually offer. Our goal is to hit 1,000 signatures by March 15th to bring to the Career Center’s advisory meeting. By signing this, you’re demanding a transparent, supportive, and accessible job market at UIC. Don’t let a "years of experience" requirement stop your career before it even starts. Sign today and let’s get ourselves a fair first chance.