Students and their parents are increasingly seeking college majors that will remain relevant in a world influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). AI is altering the skills that employers expect from entry-level workers, prompting colleges to reconsider how they prepare students for future job markets.
A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. higher education students by Superhuman found that 69% of college students are concerned that AI will make it more difficult to secure employment. Additionally, only 45% of respondents feel optimistic about the job market after graduation, and 22% have changed their major due to job market concerns.
Experts, including Casey Evans, interim dean at American University's Kogod School of Business, emphasize the need for colleges to align their curricula with the skills that employers are seeking, such as critical thinking, AI literacy, and collaboration. At American University, students are taught to use AI critically, focusing on ethical considerations and the technology's value.
Individual experiences vary; for example, Burton Baecker, a student at the University of California, Davis, shifted from accounting to finance, citing AI's capabilities in performing accounting tasks. Conversely, Sammy White, a dramatic writing major at New York University, is more focused on pursuing his passion despite the potential impact of AI on the arts.
While accounting firms are still actively recruiting, the expectations for new graduates are higher than ever. As AI tools continue to evolve, the job landscape remains uncertain, with new graduates expected to manage projects and AI agents, conduct in-depth research, and effectively communicate their findings.