Allentown Firm Launched Tool for Grad Job Seekers
A new local program aims to help recent graduates improve their odds of landing roles that match their education.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Employment
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Allentown-based Dreamcatcher Career Coaching has launched the GRADvertise program to provide recent graduates with customized video profiles. This initiative seeks to help job seekers stand out in an automated market where securing college-level employment remains challenging.
Why it matters
The program addresses the long-term career risks of underemployment, as data shows 73% of graduates who start in underemployed roles remain there a decade later. Securing a college-level role early is vital, as those hires are 3.5 times more likely to maintain that career trajectory long-term.
Recent-grad unemployment reached 5.6% in Q2 2026, while 42% of recent graduates were underemployed in Q1 2026. Data suggests that 52% of bachelor's degree holders are underemployed one year after graduation.
The players
Dreamcatcher Career Coaching
An Allentown-based firm that provides professional development, resume, and career branding services to job seekers.
Shelley Maley
The founder of Dreamcatcher Career Coaching who oversaw the development of the new program.
Nate Flores
A recent graduate who secured a position at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia after using the program.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
A major regional healthcare employer that hired a graduate through the program's candidate branding tools.
The details
Participants in the GRADvertise program develop a branding strategy and a customized video profile to showcase their specific qualifications to employers. Candidates can distribute these profiles through social media or direct digital links to differentiate themselves from automated application filters. The approach is designed to pivot away from traditional portals toward direct engagement with hiring managers.
Timeline
Q1 2026: 42% of recent graduates were reported as underemployed.
Q2 2026: The recent-grad unemployment rate reached 5.6%.
May 2026: Nate Flores graduated and later secured a position through the program.
October 13, 2026: Dreamcatcher Career Coaching officially launched the GRADvertise program.
Money Landscape
This program addresses the persistent challenge of underemployment that impacts over half of bachelor's degree holders within one year of graduation. It targets a career gap that often sets in early, with data indicating that 73% of underemployed graduates remain in that category a decade later.
Recent graduates currently facing job market hurdles may consider if specialized branding tools improve their competitiveness for college-level roles. Discuss your professional development budget and long-term career goals with a qualified financial or career professional before committing to private coaching.
The takeaway
Securing a role that utilizes a degree early is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term earnings potential. Graduates should track their initial job placements carefully and prioritize opportunities that align with their education to avoid prolonged underemployment.
Further reading
For more trends on local labor conditions, visit the Employment section.
More information
To see the full service offerings, visit the GRADvertise program information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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