Teens' Career Paths in the AI Era: How to Thrive Amid Uncertainty

American teens are gearing up for a workforce transformed by AI, new educational approaches, and economic instability. Despite these challenges, optimism is high, with 94% of teens expressing hope for their future careers, according to research from Junior Achievement and Citizens. However, 57% of teens believe AI has negatively impacted their career outlook, highlighting concerns about job displacement and the need for new skills.

Susan LaMonica, chief human resources officer at Citizens, notes, "Today’s teens face a rapidly changing world, from the rise of AI to shifts in education and careers. The survey shows they know the importance of adaptability and continuous learning."

To help teens build skills for emerging roles and navigate their futures, here are expert tips from Junior Achievement.

Explore Internships

Success isn't just about credentials. Survey respondents think networking (50%) and internships (41%) are key to future success. Moreover, 56% believe real-world experience is more valuable than a four-year degree. Internships allow students to test interests, build professional networks, develop transferable skills, identify strengths and weaknesses, and clarify goals.

Consider Post-High School Education

Teens' views on education reflect their unease. Only 40% believe a four-year degree is always a good investment, yet about 60% think a bachelor’s or graduate degree is necessary for their chosen profession. This complexity means exploring alternatives like trade schools, technical programs, apprenticeships, two-year degrees, or professional certifications can be beneficial.

Weigh Passion Against Pay

While 63% of teens prefer a good-paying job even with stress, many balance passion and pay. Top industries for teens include health care and life sciences (30%), arts and music (27%), and content creation and digital media (25%). Additionally, 87% expect to earn extra income through side hustles, gig work, or social media content creation.

Tim Greinert, president of Junior Achievement USA, adds, "The data illustrates how the stressors on young people are compounding year after year. It also shows how resilient and savvy students are these days in terms of understanding the world around them and deciphering the best path to the future that’s best for them."