An Indian-origin university graduate's failed attempt to land a supermarket job has sparked fresh questions about whether the job market is failing young people. 21-year-old Raksha Hegde in Australia has gone viral after revealing she was rejected for a part-time retail assistant role while trying to support herself during her master's studies.
The Viral Rejection
In an Instagram video, Hegde expressed disbelief at being rejected, especially given her academic background. 'Bro, I just got rejected as a retail assistant. Basically a cashier!' she said. 'I've done a three-year degree, and doing my master's and I can't get a f***ing job. Are you telling me I went to uni for three years just to get rejected as a cashier?'
She added: 'And you know what? Let me get my master's degree for two years and spend more money to get a degree so that I can't find a single job after putting so much time, money and investment into school, uni and yet... they don't want to hire me.' Hegde concluded: 'Like are you f***ing kidding me? Is the job market so doomed?'
Debate on Graduate Underemployment
Her experience triggered a debate about graduate underemployment and the value of higher education in today's job market. Some social media users said that being highly educated can sometimes work against candidates in such jobs. They pointed out that retail employers may worry that overqualified applicants will leave quickly for better opportunities, making them less attractive hires.
Others noted that supermarket roles often focus less on formal education and more on practical factors such as availability, flexibility and attitude. Employers may prioritise candidates who can commit long term over those still studying or aiming for corporate careers. This is why such companies often prefer hiring unemployed or less-qualified applicants.
The incident has raised broader questions about the disconnect between academic qualifications and employment opportunities, particularly for international students in Australia who face additional barriers such as visa restrictions and limited work hours.
