Southeast Texas graduates are entering a difficult job market as unemployment rises, but workforce experts say opportunities still exist.

BEAUMONT, Texas — Thousands of Southeast Texas students are celebrating graduation this spring, but many are stepping into a difficult job market as unemployment in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area continues to climb.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the Beaumont-Port Arthur metropolitan area posted a 5.1% unemployment rate in April 2026, higher than both the Texas and national unemployment rates. The region also lost more than 1,400 jobs over the past year.



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Despite the challenges, workforce experts say opportunities remain available for graduates willing to stay flexible and continue building their skills.

More than 2,700 students earned degrees from Lamar University this semester alone, with some already securing jobs before crossing the graduation stage. Others, however, are still searching for their first opportunity.

Lamar University graduate Rohini Rai knows that struggle firsthand.

Rai graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She said she applied to more than 300 jobs before finally landing an internship in Chicago after facing rejection after rejection.

“Even though it’s an internship, having the job right now kind of soothed down the nerves,” she added.

Rai also mentioned the economy and cost of living played a role in her decision to move. As an international student, she said financial stability was a major factor when deciding where to begin her career.

“Definitely Chicago,” Rai said. “My uncle and my aunt are here, I can stay with them … save up money and eventually get my own apartment.”

Workforce Solutions Business Service Consultant Levette Roosevelt said many graduates may need to think beyond their ideal first job to get their foot in the door.

“Maybe take an entry-level position that may give them more opportunities to move up,” Roosevelt said. “Thinking outside the box in terms of what’s available and what they’re willing to do to get into that industry.”

According to Workforce Solutions, industries currently hiring in Southeast Texas include health care, education, construction and refinery work.

Robyn Burdette, Dean of Instruction at Lamar State College Orange, said competition remains tough in many career fields, causing some graduates to spend longer searching for work.

“The job market in a lot of different fields is really hard, it’s really tough, competitive,” Burdette said.

Health care leaders, however, say demand remains strong for nursing and other medical professions.

“There is a high demand for nursing students and other health professions within the area,” said Lauryn Smith, associate dean of nursing and health professions at Lamar State College Orange. “Once they graduate, once they pass that certification exam, then they usually have pretty good luck getting a job.”

Roosevelt said education, certifications and apprenticeships can give students an advantage, but confidence during interviews also plays a major role.

“I think how they present themselves in interviews … helping employers see that they do have something to bring to the table,” Roosevelt said.

For graduates like Rai, the process may be stressful, but she hopes employers remember that new graduates are still learning.

“They do need to understand that we’re not going to be perfectionists from the day one. We’re going to get there as they got there,” Rai said. “All they need is a chance.” 

Workforce Solutions Orange will host a job fair Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for people still searching for employment opportunities.