Even though classes and grades are now a thing of the past, recent graduates struggle differently now.
Unemployment is on the rise among new grads. According to a report from Oxford Economics, entry-level positions are harder to find, and some of those struggles are primarily due to artificial intelligence, or AI.
With the ever-evolving AI landscape, seniors and new grads need to find effective ways to work with AI as the new technology is shifting jobs and positions across all industries.
The AI Takeover That’s Here to Stay
Recent graduates largely fill entry-level job openings, but in the last few years, those job prospects haven’t been as lucrative, especially for those in tech. A Stanford study released last month found that early-career workers, like recent grads ages 22 to 25, are getting replaced by generative AI. These workers are seeing a 13% drop in employment in jobs that are most exposed to AI, like customer service and software developers.
Recent graduates fill those entry-level roles since they require less experience than higher-level positions. But beginner roles are now asking for more, and new grads don’t have the work experience to cover those requests. Many companies are instead turning to AI to meet their demands.
Barbara Zerillo, the Senior Director of Career Development at Post University, encourages students to embrace lifelong learning, whether in AI or something else. School doesn’t end after graduation, and neither does growth.
“Many future jobs don’t exist yet,” she says. “[Students] should expect to reskill multiple times throughout their careers. The most valuable skill of all is learning how to learn.”
Zerillo says students and new grads should hone in on soft skills, like problem-solving and collaboration. Creativity can be vital when you may not think you need it, especially when improving your skills.
“Students should view AI as a tool in their toolbox rather than an adversary,” she says. “While AI may shift the types of roles available, those who can work with it confidently will have a clear advantage in building their careers.”
Change Starts Now (Not After Graduation)
Students don’t need to wait until they leave school to get a handle on working alongside AI. Harleny Vasquez, a Gen Z career coach and founder of yourEVOLVEDmind, says adaptability is one of the best ways to manage the ever-changing job landscape.
“Students first need to learn how to become adaptable to changes,” she says. “Even with constant layoffs, they have to recognize that their self-worth is not tied to a career and that they always have transferable skills, no matter what.”
Current students can make changes now without hindering their long-term plans.
“It is important not to let school put you in a box by deciding on one type of career path,” Vasquez says. “Think of a major that can be utilized in any industry and role, as opposed to being highly focused on a niche.”
Before you graduate, you can build up your experience in your current field of study or something else. Zerillo suggests expanding your skillset to include different areas of focus or places where AI is prominent, whether AI literacy or data analysis.
“Internships, part-time work, volunteering, and job simulations strengthen a resume and demonstrate real-world skills,” she says. “I tell students, ‘don’t wait until graduation to start your career; build it while you’re still in school.’”
Take Advantage of Resources While You Still Can
Even while you’re still in college, you can find possibilities to help you succeed after graduation. Zerillo suggests finding AI-related courses through LinkedIn Learning and Coursera. Some schools offer these as an additional benefit for students, which means you don’t need to pay more for the extra lessons.
“Students should identify the AI tools most commonly used in their chosen field and look for opportunities to integrate them,” she says. “Regardless of profession, understanding AI ethics and data literacy is essential. Even a basic fluency in AI can set you apart in a crowded job market.”
Vasquez echoes that, saying students should utilize all of their school-backed opportunities.
“Learn all of the resources your school offers you, including learning tools, databases, and even how to use AI to increase your workflow and efficiency,” she says. “Technology is the future, and many employers are going to be looking for tech-savvy people, especially within AI.”
Evolving Industries Could Mean it’s Time to Change Majors
AI is moving into every industry — some faster than others. While you can keep the same path, it’s OK to change majors or focus while you’re still in school.
“Students considering a change of major should use labor market data to guide their decisions,” Zerillo says. “If you decide to change your major or career path, remember it’s not about abandoning your passion, but about future-proofing it.”
Networking doesn’t start once you graduate. Getting involved with professional organizations — even as a student — is a great way to meet folks doing the job you hope to do someday.
Stay on Top of the Shifting Landscape
For young folks who have recently graduated and are just entering the workforce after college, you can still make moves that will put you ahead of the curve.
“Staying adaptable as tools evolve is key,” Zerillo says. “They can position themselves as the human advantage by cultivating skills such as emotional intelligence, empathy, and other qualities that are more difficult for AI to replicate.”
If you’re struggling to find full-time work, don’t be afraid to take on fractional, contract, or part-time work adjacent to what you’d like to do long-term.
“Take on some freelance or contract work that can help them learn new skills outside of their industry,” Vasquez says. This can make you more marketable to potential employers looking for versatility among their top candidates.
Start building a portfolio to show off the projects you’ve already done and use folks from those projects to provide testimonials about your work ethic and professionalism. Vasquez says building your personal brand is crucial — even if you don’t think you need one.
“The moment you start reflecting on your skillset, you will allow yourself to be seen,” she says.