Unlock Your Future: 7 Game-Changing Career Tips for Teens in the AI Era

Credit: PHOTO: Freepik

American teens are preparing for a workforce shaped by AI, new approaches to education, and economic uncertainty. While challenges are real, optimism remains high.

In fact, 94% of teens said they are optimistic about their future careers, reflecting a strong sense of hope and ambition. However, 57% of teens surveyed believe AI has negatively impacted their career outlook, raising concerns about job replacement and the need for new skills.

Explore Internships

Success depends on more than credentials alone. Survey respondents believe networking (50%) and internships (41%) are keys to future success. What's more, 56% believe real-world experience is more valuable than a four-year degree. Internships can provide that experience and allow students to:

• Test their interest in a field
• Build professional networks
• Develop skills applicable to multiple career paths
• Identify strengths and weaknesses
• Clarify future goals

Consider Post-High School Education

Teens' perspectives on education reflect their uneasiness. Only 40% of teens surveyed believe a four-year degree is always a good investment. At the same time, about 6 in 10 believe a bachelor's or graduate degree is still necessary for their chosen profession, which shows how complicated these decisions can be.

While many careers require a college diploma, that isn't the only path to career success. In addition to traditional four-year universities, consider alternate education paths such as:

• Trade schools or technical programs
• Apprenticeships
• Two-year degree programs
• Professional certifications

Weigh Passion Against Pay

While most teens surveyed (63%) said they would prefer a good-paying job even if it comes with stress, many are weighing passion against pay as they explore career opportunities.

Some top industries in which teens plan to pursue a job include:

• Healthcare and life sciences (30%)
• Arts and music (27%)
• Content creation and digital media (25%)

Many students are also exploring less traditional routes to build security and opportunity, with 87% expecting to earn extra income through side hustles, gig work, or social media content creation.