As 2026 college graduates prepare for the next chapter of their lives, the news on the job market front is kind of mixed. Those going to graduate school full time may be a little relieved that they are not entering the workforce just yet, but a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers offers a somewhat encouraging outlook. According to their projections, employers are expected to increase 2026 graduate hires by 5.6%. This data is based on a survey sponsored by Jobscan, administered from Feb. 12 to March 17 to 185 respondents, including 142 NACE members. It is interesting to note, however, that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that the unemployment rate for recent college grads was also 5.6%, and there is no doubt that many young workers seeking to establish their careers are experiencing some anxiety. Much of this apprehension stems from the rapid changes artificial intelligence is bringing to the job landscape, making it, in many instances, more frustrating and complex to navigate. White-collar and entry-level positions are rapidly being replaced by AI for tasks such as data entry and basic research analysis. College graduates are well aware of AI's impact on entry-level roles, and some expressed aggravation at the University of Arizona and the University of Central Florida commencement exercises when speakers touted what they believed were AI's advantages. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed by Arizona grads when he compared the rise of AI to computer technology from the '80s. UCF speaker Gloria Caulfield, the vice president of strategic alliances for real estate firm Tavistock Development Company, was also showered with boos when she said, "The rise of artificial intelligence is the next Industrial Revolution."

With graduates entering a job market heavily affected by AI and slightly tougher than last year's, there are still some reassuring trends. Forbes senior contributor Bryan Robinson recently pointed out that although "AI is flattening organizations" by taking over automated responsibilities, employers are prioritizing seven human attributes: "communication, empathy, adaptability, storytelling, creativity, relationship-building, and judgment under uncertainty." Among these, communication is a soft skill that I strongly emphasize in my English composition courses, and, in considering creativity, I think this is a time when graduates will really have the opportunity to shine in their God-given talents. A lot of emphasis is placed on AI doing things faster and more efficiently, and while it may master rudimentary job duties, it is no match for the innate abilities God has placed within us. The Bible teaches that our talents are not learned behaviors but special skills that can be honed through divine inspiration. When we allow God to inspire us, we position ourselves on a path that will eventually lead us to where we are supposed to be. As many college graduates are very uneasy about their job prospects and the employment journey they are about to begin, one uplifting Scripture that I would share with them is Proverbs 22:29, which says, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men." The reference to "mean men" in this verse is a description of people who are complacent where they are and lack a vision for advancement. Standing before "kings" in our time could be giving a marketing presentation to a company president or being assigned to a major corporate innovation project. And for those taking a great leap of faith to start their own businesses, standing before kings could be the opportunity to pitch a plan before millionaire investors.

So, while many 2026 college graduates may be nervous about what the future holds and are not that enthused about AI's emergence, I believe the uncertainty AI has created will move many to fully tap into their talents and push themselves in ways they never have before. My words of wisdom to grads are that jobs will always be evolving. Sharpen what God has designed in you so that your gifts can open doors!

Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University's Lima campus. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on X: @JjSmojc. To find out more about Jessica Johnson and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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