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The AI Shakeup: How Higher Ed Can Help Students Succeed in a Changing Job Market
Aug 21, 2025
Closing the Skills Gap in an AI-Driven Workforce
As AI rapidly transforms the job market, schools are under growing pressure to prepare students for careers in fields that are emerging or may not yet exist. Meanwhile, today’s students are AI natives who expect technology to help them learn faster and prepare them for real-world job demands.
A System in Transition, A Need for Change
Over the last decade, entry-level hiring in popular fields such as tech, finance, and consulting dropped by 33 percent, while non-entry-level openings rose 67 percent.
As a result, unemployment amongst recent graduates aged 22-27 is rising: Currently at 5.3 percent, a 20 percent increase over last year (Telford, 2025).
To stay competitive in a rapidly changing workforce, students need a deep understanding of how to use and apply AI effectively and responsibly. And colleges and universities need trustworthy technology partners that provide learning science-backed AI solutions.
The Changing Face of Learning: AI Across Campus
Currently, 59 percent of students report regularly using AI in their classes compared to only around 40 percent of instructors and administrators (Bharadwaj, et al., 2024).
The growing familiarity of AI amongst students presents an opportunity for colleges and universities to integrate the technology into teaching, learning, and career readiness. Fortunately, many administrators and faculty agree—students need to learn how to use AI tools effectively and ethically to stay competitive. That means developing clear policies, offering hands-on experience, and partnering with content and technology providers to build sustainable, skill-based learning pathways.
Growing Pains for Students and Faculty
On many campuses, the first conversations about AI often center on academic integrity, specifically focused on fears around plagiarism and cheating. While these concerns are valid, they only scratch the surface of a complicated issue.
When instructors view AI primarily as a threat, they can prevent students from learning how to use it responsibly and effectively. Institutions have an opportunity to reframe the conversation around AI in the classroom to prepare students for a future where AI literacy is as fundamental as digital literacy is today.
Encouragingly, 40 percent of administrators say they are already offering, or planning to offer, responsible use training for faculty and staff (Bharadwaj, et al., 2024).
From Adaptation to Empowerment
Education content and technology providers are working alongside educators to integrate effective AI, from the highest levels of university administration all the way to graduate and teaching assistants. Among those who already use generative AI tools, 44 percent of instructors and 54 percent of administrators say it expands students’ thinking by helping with brainstorming and research.
And it goes well beyond the classroom. Students are using AI tools in practical, job-ready ways like writing resumes and cover letters (33 percent), managing schedules (32 percent), and generating personalized study materials (29 percent) (Bharadwaj, et al., 2024).
Faculty also benefit from hands-on professional development and resources designed to meet their unique teaching needs and better prepare students for the workforce. AI tools and capabilities embedded within the course materials students use every day help ensure that learners aren’t just exposed to generative AI—they're learning how to navigate, apply, and critically engage with these tools in ways that mirror how they'll use AI throughout their careers.
In today’s competitive environment, students can’t afford to rely on shortcuts—they need trusted, research-backed tools that are proven to work in real-world settings. Faculty and students need interactive resources designed to empower them to build the skills, confidence, and purpose needed to succeed.
At a time when institutions face cost pressures and unproven courseware options, resources are available that deliver affordable, research-backed course materials that responsibly integrate AI.
The stakes have never been higher. With every graduating class, the pressure seemingly builds on higher education each year to ensure that students are prepared to step into a workforce where they can best compete for a shrinking number of entry-level jobs. As AI reshapes the education and employment landscapes, success will come from adapting with purpose and collaboration among faculty, institutions, and partners.
Together, we can move beyond quick fixes and toward thoughtful solutions that prioritize quality, innovation and affordability. With the right tools and support, every student can be prepared to thrive in the classroom and lead in the AI-powered workforce ahead.