As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, many Gen Z college graduates are questioning the value of their degrees, claiming they feel unprepared for a job market increasingly dominated by advanced technology.
Recent graduates express frustration, arguing that their costly educations have left them ill-equipped to compete in a workforce where AI tools are rapidly transforming roles traditionally filled by entry-level workers.
A 2024 survey by Cengage Group revealed that 70% of recent graduates believe their college education did not adequately prepare them for the current job market, with many citing AI’s growing influence as a key factor.
According to the NYP, students who invested heavily in degrees in fields like marketing, graphic design, and even computer science now worry their skills are being outpaced by AI platforms capable of automating tasks such as content creation, data analysis, and coding.
“It feels like we were sold a promise that a degree would secure a good job, but AI is changing the game,” said Emily Chen, a 23-year-old marketing graduate from New York University.
Chen, who graduated in 2023 with $50,000 in student debt, struggles to find roles that aren’t already being handled by AI-driven tools. “I spent four years learning strategies that software can now execute in seconds.”
Employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates with AI literacy and adaptability over traditional academic credentials.
A LinkedIn report from late 2024 noted that 85% of hiring managers value practical experience with AI tools over a degree alone.
Fields like journalism, finance, and creative industries—once considered safe bets for college-educated professionals—are seeing AI systems take on tasks ranging from writing articles to generating financial reports.
Some graduates argue colleges are lagging behind in updating curricula to address these shifts.
“My computer science program barely touched on machine learning or AI integration,” said Marcus Lee, a 2024 graduate from the University of Texas. “Now I’m teaching myself these skills online because employers expect it.”
However, not all experts agree that degrees have lost their value.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a career counselor at Stanford University, argues that while AI is disrupting certain roles, a college education still provides critical thinking and problem-solving skills that remain in demand.
“AI can’t replicate the human ability to navigate complex social dynamics or innovate in unpredictable environments,” she said. Thompson encourages students to complement their degrees with AI-focused certifications or internships to stay competitive.
The rising skepticism among Gen Z has sparked broader debates about the cost of higher education, with U.S. student loan debt surpassing $1.7 trillion in 2024.
Many young adults are now exploring alternatives like coding bootcamps, online courses, or entrepreneurship, which offer faster, more targeted paths to employment.
