Striving despite disruption: young peoples occupational identity and economic opportunity during COVID-19

Underrepresented college students continue to navigate the unforeseen adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic - ones that exacerbate the inequalities that minority and low-income populations routinely contend with. To envision and subsequently achieve a more inclusive and healthy economy for all requires not only examining how the labor market is evolving but also including the perspectives of young people who are going through important college and career transitions during COVID-19, especially as they prepare to enter the workforce. Learning from such young people’s experiences is critical to better understanding the varied impacts of the pandemic and how to address them as we work toward a pathway to recovery. Our research includes both qualitative data from underrepresented young people as well as a comparison of current and past employer demand data. Together, these complementary sources provide new insight into the economic challenges and opportunities that are these young people’s realities. Our analysis informs actionable, cross-sector recommendations for improving the conditions that lead to positive college and early career outcomes for young people who experience various structural obstacles, particularly those in urban settings like New York City, where this research was conducted. We present those findings in this chapter as well as aim to provide some optimism and hope that systemic improvements are possible and tangible, even as these unique and challenging times continue to create labor market turmoil.