The Condition of the corporate world from 2025 to 2026.
Hi,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share my honest experience as a fresher navigating the job market since 2025.
To be very honest, the process has often felt discouraging and, at times, disheartening. There seems to be a continuous expectation for prior experience at every stage. Even while applying for internships, companies often prefer candidates who have already completed previous internships. This creates a cycle where freshers are expected to have experience before even getting their first opportunity.
I fully understand that, as a fresher, I may not have years of hands-on experience yet. I have recently completed a 5-month internship in digital marketing and am eager to learn, grow, and contribute. During my internship at a startup, the experience was highly intensive and full of learning. I was responsible for handling multiple tasks end-to-end, often managing more than 8 different tasks in a single day, including SEO, content creation, campaign support, and analytics. This exposure helped me develop practical skills, adaptability, and a strong sense of responsibility. However, it becomes difficult when companies expect advanced skills, practical exposure, and expertise in multiple tools from freshers, but are not equally open to providing the learning opportunity.
Another concern is the mismatch between expectations and compensation. Many entry-level roles offer salaries in the range of 1.5–2.5 LPA, while expecting candidates to handle responsibilities similar to those of experienced professionals. In my own experience, even after completing a 5-month internship, I have been offered around 2 LPA, which feels quite low considering the skills, workload, and effort involved. This gap between expectations and salary makes it challenging for freshers to feel valued and motivated.
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Additionally, the lack of communication after interviews is quite discouraging. Candidates invest time and effort in preparing, attending interviews, and sometimes completing assignments, but often receive no response afterward. A simple update or feedback would go a long way in showing respect for the candidate’s time.
Through this journey, while I may still be building my technical experience, I have developed a strong understanding of company expectations and hiring patterns. All I seek is a fair opportunity to start my career, learn, and prove my capabilities.
I truly respect the efforts of HR teams and understand the challenges involved in hiring. This message is not a complaint, but a request for more transparency, balanced expectations, fair compensation, and better communication for entry-level candidates.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that freshers are not lacking in willingness or potential — we are simply seeking a fair starting point. With the right guidance, opportunities, and realistic expectations, we can quickly grow into valuable contributors.
A more transparent hiring process, aligned expectations, fair compensation, and respectful communication can make a significant difference in shaping a positive experience for entry-level candidates.
I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as it reflects the genuine concerns of many freshers who are eager to learn, work hard, and build their careers with dedication.
