I have a bachelor's degree and I'm studying my master's but I can't even get a job at Coles: 'Are you kidding me?'

By MAISY RAE and NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 03:07, 30 April 2026 | Updated: 03:24, 30 April 2026 A university graduate working towards her master's degree has launched a fiery rant after she was rejected from a cashier role at Coles.  Raksha Hegde, 21, said she applied for the retail assistant position at her local supermarket as a part-time job alongside her studies.  She was shocked to discover her application had been rejected.   'Bro, I just got rejected at Coles as a retail assistant. Basically a cashier!' Ms Hegde said in an Instagram video shared this week.  '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?' '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... Coles doesn't want to hire me. 'Like are you f***ing kidding me? Is the job market so doomed?' The video, which has received almost 100,000 views and garnered hundreds of comments from Australians in the same boat.  View this post on Instagram Raksha Hegde, 21, said she applied for the retail assistant position at her local Coles supermarket as a part-time job alongside her studies (stock image) 'I think it's best not to put your education if you're going for retail roles. They know you're going to bounce the second you get a corporate job,' one person wrote.  Another said: 'I am a computer engineer, [I was] rejected by Coles 48 [times] and Woolworths 40 plus [times]. They don't bother about your degree... this is what it is.' A person added: 'I used to hire for supermarket checkout and other roles. Degrees have nothing to do with these jobs. There are a lot of kids who have positive attitudes that lands them the role.' Others blasted Ms Hegde for her 'attitude' and told her to focus on applying for jobs in her field of study, instead of in the hospitality and retail industry. 'They need someone who will be loyal and not job hop. By not hiring you, they can save money on hiring and training,' one person said.  Another added: 'Why hire someone who doesn't want to grow and progress within the store? Why hire someone who is completely overqualified for the position?  'Not to mention, if they got any sort of vibe that you would look down on the position and thus the other people who work there.' According to Coles' website, a $27.39-an-hour retail assistant role is responsible for scanning items, processing payments, and engaging with customers.  Raksha Hegde, 21, recently applied for a retail assistant position at Coles but was rejected It comes as three major Australian companies - comparison website Finder, insurance giant IAG and bookmaker Sportsbet announced major cuts to their workforces.  All three businesses confirmed layoffs or restructures, with Finder axing 54 roles globally in a fresh round of cuts. The redundancies include 27 full‑time jobs and 27 contractor positions, leaving the company with a global workforce of about 200 staff.  A spokesperson told the Daily Mail the company was reshaping as AI rapidly transforms the industry. Earlier this month, software giant Atlassian slashed nearly 500 jobs from its Australian workforce as artificial intelligence reduces demand for labour. In the same month, Commonwealth Bank cut more than 100 roles from its technology division. Specialist recruiter and career coach, Tammie Ballis, warned that rising unemployment, artificial intelligence and high immigration are accelerating job losses across corporate Australia. 'In corporate and tech sectors, the market is nightmarish,' she told the Daily Mail. 'There are a few reasons. Immigration is the main one, but this is not the fault of immigrants but the federal government. 'Too many people in the job pool means it's an employers' market - the employer gets to pick the best person for the cheapest wage. It also means that, as there are too many people applying for the same jobs, most applications aren't seen.' The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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