College Networks: The Importance of Employer Connections

Ben Ost, Weixiang Pan and Douglas Webber

Journal of Labor Economics, 2026, vol. 44, issue 2, 351 - 381

Abstract: We provide the first evidence that the employers of network contacts from college can influence job search success. In contrast to the peer effects literature that emphasizes peer characteristics, we examine how the hiring rate of in-network firms affects reemployment probabilities. To avoid endogeneity from voluntary transitions, we focus on individuals who experience mass layoffs. Using administrative data and a cross-cohort design, we find that network connections with actively hiring employers increase the reemployment rate. This result is driven by reemployment at contacts’ firms. These results suggest that college can improve employment outcomes beyond improved human capital and signaling.

Date: 2026
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