Parents can promote paths for success in the new AI career frontier. #
Posted August 16, 2026 [ Reviewed by Jessica Schrader
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Key points
- In 2026, new college graduates faced a tougher hiring market in areas affected by AI.
- Parents of college students are increasingly concerned about the post-graduation job market.
- Students can enhance their job prospects through internships, networking, and researching new opportunities.
"I’ve applied for 100 jobs and I’ve had a handful of interviews. Graduation is in two weeks and I’m worried I will be unemployed."
"My son just moved back home after graduation and does not have a job. Is AI making it impossible for him to get hired?"
Fears About Careers #
As a psychiatrist, I have heard both college students and parents of undergraduates express concerns about the post-graduation job market. Fears have increased as AI and other factors impact the hiring landscape.
In a recent 2026 survey of 2,000 students, 69% worry about finding a job after graduation due to AI replacing certain human tasks. In a spring 2026 survey of 2,515 parents of college students, 29% report job prospects as one of their top five concerns, an 81% increase from 2024.
AI and Other Factors Are Slowing Hiring for New College Grads #
Employer optimism about hiring new college graduates is at its lowest level in a decade, according to the College Hiring Outlook 2026. About 57% of employers believe hiring prospects are fair to poor for new college graduates in 2026, versus 18% of employers in 2024. At the same time, this report shows internships and co-op experiences can increase hiring, so seeking out these opportunities is critical for the post-college experience.
A survey of 2026 college graduates reflects findings similar to those of the business survey. Forty-three percent had a job offer by the time they graduated, a decrease from 2023. This study also demonstrates that doing internships, particularly paid ones, increases the chance of getting a job post-graduation.
While there could be several factors affecting the current employment trends for college graduates, many agree AI plays a role. A study from Stanford Digital Economy Lab demonstrates that early-entry employees aged 22-25 have experienced employment declines in certain fields such as software development and customer service. Jobs less affected by AI include those in healthcare, where AI can augment work without replacing it. Whatever the impact of AI proves to be on the job market, it is critical that college students strategically pursue experiences that enhance their hirability.
Steps Students Can Take to Promote Job Success #
Here are steps you can encourage your student to take to cope with career fears.
Internships and co-op experiences. Most schools have career fairs where you can connect with recruiters about internships and jobs. You can also work with your professors to seek these opportunities.US News and World Reportranks schools with the best internship/co-op experiences.Career resource center. These campus centers can help you align your interests and talents with career options. Testing andcoachingwill help you gain a better understanding of what careers are a good fit.*Find what you enjoy.*You will spend many hours of your life at your job. Pursue a career that keeps you interested and makes you want to learn more.Network. If you are close to graduation and seeking a job, network with the people you know—friends and family—about opportunities. Don’t beshyabout asking for help. Along the way, I've reached out to former college classmates and work colleagues who have helped me grow in my career.Take a college class in AI. Schools are offering more opportunities to gain deeper knowledge about the use of AI in the workplace. Learn about AI through a class or work experience—most jobs will want you to have AI knowledge and skills. In fact, in the 2026surveymentioned above, 58% of college students said learning about AI is important for their career. Forty-eight percent think learning how to use AI ethically is a very important skill.Consider jobs in healthcare and teaching. In a June 2025jobs report, healthcare and teaching showed growth in numbers of jobs, unlike other sectors of the economy. These areas seemresilientin the face of AI. As a psychiatrist, I don’t think my profession can be replaced by AI; a human connection andcaring relationshipimprove patient outcomes. At the same time, AI has enhanced my ability to provide care by linking me with evidence-based treatment information in the OpenEvidence app. I look forward to seeing other ways AI can facilitate care.
Our AI Journey: An Odyssey #
If you are a parent of a college student worrying about AI impacting their career, remember that the unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2026 for new college grads (aged 22-27) was low at 5.7% and continues to be lower than that experienced by non-college graduates of the same age. There is no doubt that AI will impact job markets in profound ways, and it is critical that students connect with campus resources, network, and research the opportunities that exist for the future. View this career journey as an odyssey; your college student’s courage and curiosity will overcome challenges and lead to wonderful adventures. ©2026 Marcia Morris.
Details have been altered to protect patient privacy.