How do new project managers get meaningful assignments in the profession?

I have been fortunate enough to have had a long and successful career as a project manager, and I am thankful for all of the opportunities.

For more than 1 year now I have been hearing that it is difficult for new PMPs to gain employment as a project manager, since they do not have any project management experience. Is this common in the globally or is this just my antidotal experience in my local community?

Please share your suggestions for new Project Managers!