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The diploma is just a start. It’s really all about who you know.

Let’s face it. Most employers have a stack of applications. They hire people they know, and almost all have connections with people in their own network looking for work. The only reason they would resort to an unknown entity would be desperation.

Employers tend to hire people they’ve already worked with from their families, church, charities, political organizations or through internships.

My son hasn’t even graduated yet, and he was offered two full time jobs. The pay is OK. He’ll be able to afford his own place and will be able to support himself. He’s in children’s ministry. One job offer came from his home church, where he has volunteered for years. The other through an internship.

My first professional jobs came through connections with a family member and with a classmate who ended up in administration. My husband was hired out of his internship. My other son was hired because of a connection with a friend. My adopted Asian high school daughter was hired on the spot the moment she walked into an Asian restaurant. My grandmother loved to surprise her elderly neighbor with freshly baked bread. This neighbor’s son eventually hired my grandmother.

This is nothing new. True, our society has become more credentialed. But it’s still all about who you know.

I started in IT 20 years ago, worked for quite a few companies including banks, and now I run my own IT company.

I totally relate to your frustration and I remember feeling the same way right out of school. It was very hard even getting an interview at the entry level. BUT - You just have to keep on making calls and talking to people. Stay on friendly terms with all the recruiters and managers you can and when things break open hopefully they will call you before posting ads for job openings. The market has been tight for a while now, longer than normal and I expect it to open up before too much longer. You just need to stay on top of your game, and have a certain amount of flexibility in jumping over whatever stepping stones you need to jump over while continuously re-evaluating what steps you need to take to reach your goal. Smile & keep a positive can do attitude, that impresses managers. Your situation is not unique and many of your peers are in the same boat.

Also - I don't think your goal in unrealistic at all, and I suspect you will achieve it, or something close to it as long as you keep fighting the good fight. But what might surprise you is 5 years down the road you might get sick of all the politics and BS you will have to put up with at a major financial. But regardless, it will still enhance your career having seen what they are like from the inside. BTW: You really are more valuable with the degree, even if it doesn't feel that way right this minute.

You are more valuable -- you claimed you have turned down $35,000 / yr offers.

How many high school students are offered $35,000/yr to start with zero experience?

Incidentally -- it may bear thinking about. If you take one of those jobs, it starts counting towards "experience".

Only you know your goals best, but there is a lot of good advice up and down this thread: based on people's actually having been in the working world.

Are you committed to only one geographical area, or are you free to move? Are you open only to full-time permanent, or would you consider contracting?

Lotsa possibilities.

Cheers!