Jobs of the Future: Why Your Major Still Matters

“Young people are having a harder time finding a job than they used to, and it’s been going on for a while, at least 10 years… When you think from first principles about what generative AI can do, and what jobs it can replace, it’s the kinds of things that young college grads have done… They read and synthesize information and data. They produce reports and presentations.” —David Deming, Professor of Political Economy at Harvard University

I recently came across this quote in an Atlantic article about troubling trends in the job market for young, college-educated graduates. I think it encapsulates the short-term fears surrounding the explosive growth of artificial intelligence and what it might mean for future employment. Over the past few months, I’ve frequently heard from well-meaning parents and families who are increasingly panicked, convinced that only a handful of majors (mainly in STEM or business) will lead to satisfying, lucrative careers as entry-level positions across the country are replaced by AI. In this article, I’ll suggest that rather than preemptively narrowing one’s focus out of trepidation or unease, this moment presents an unprecedented opportunity for students to lean into their passions and embrace a broad-based, liberal education—one that fosters lifelong skills and teaches them to think dynamically across a wide range of fields.

What’s the Value of a Liberal Education Model?

The American higher education system—from private colleges to large public universities—is broadly shaped by liberal education principles that emphasize both breadth and depth, along with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. These structures reflect the long-standing belief that a well-rounded education produces thoughtful, engaged citizens who are well-equipped to succeed in many different career paths. While I won’t dive into the specifics of liberal arts programs in this article (though you can learn more here), it’s worth keeping the spirit of a liberal education in mind as you think about your potential major and how college can prepare you to reach your future professional goals.

As AI continues to proliferate in our everyday lives, a strong, holistic education will help you build malleable, transferable skills like critical thinking and persuasive writing—preparing you to become an adaptable, desirable candidate in a variety of industries. In fact, as more young people grow reliant on AI, it’s becoming all the more exceptional to cultivate original ways of thinking, creative problem-solving, and a distinct voice—competencies, I might add, that large language models (LLMs) notoriously struggle to replicate. At the end of the day, students who develop these strengths and have genuine experiences they can relay in a cover letter or interview will be the ones who stand out in the job market, far more than those who pigeon-hole themselves and risk becoming replaceable or constrained by AI’s reach.

Redefining “Success”

What do you think of when you hear the word “success?” For many, the initial thoughts that come to mind are wealth, fame, executive status, and similar achievements. While these are all admirable ambitions that can certainly make life more comfortable, they do not necessarily lead to lasting happiness. When we talk about long-term success, I invite you to look at it through a slightly different lens: as a feeling of fulfillment and sustainability. What activities make you lose track of time? What do you enjoy doing in your free time that you haven’t yet had the opportunity to explore in an academic setting?

Take, for example, a student—let’s call her Jess—who majored in music and spent her college years studying classical violin. Jess loved performing, but what most energized her was organizing campus concerts and collaborating with other musicians to interpret challenging pieces. Along the way, she honed skills in project management, communication, and creative problem-solving that proved valuable far beyond the world of music. After graduation, Jess didn’t become a professional violinist—but she did land a role at an arts nonprofit, where she now coordinates public programming and community outreach. In interviews, she spoke confidently about leading rehearsals, managing event logistics, and connecting with audience members—all directly tied to her undergraduate work. Jess’s path is an example of how following your passion can still lead to an engaging and deeply fulfilling career.

When considering future academic paths, I encourage students to set aside preconceived ideas and instead reflect on what they truly enjoy and how they might pursue those interests in a meaningful way. By taking this approach, students can follow their authentic passions and are better positioned to avoid burnout down the line. Just as importantly, they are also developing the kind of insight and self-awareness that sets them apart and contributes to professional success. In the job markets of the future, exceptional candidates won’t be those who blindly follow a rigid pre-professional track, but those who can speak dynamically—and with genuine enthusiasm and clarity—about what they’ve studied, why it matters to them, and how they’ve grown throughout the process. Students who have taken the time to explore their interests with curiosity and depth will be well-equipped not only with valuable skills, but a distinct perspective—and that’s what will make them especially desirable prospective hires.

Flexing Your Brain: Why Critical Thinking and Writing Will Always Matter

The brain is like a muscle: just as physical exercise strengthens the body, mentally stimulating activities—like reading, writing, researching, or solving complex problems—keep our minds sharp. Challenging the brain helps form new neural connections and improves cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving. And just like returning to a workout class after a week off, a lack of mental stimulation can lead to a noticeable cognitive decline.

As more young people become increasingly reliant on AI to write essays or summarize readings for them, they risk flattening their cognitive abilities. Rather than spending time developing critical thinking skills and new ways of looking at the world, they may lose the very qualities that make them stand out—in interviews, in applications, and in life.

In a recent New Yorker article, Hua Hsu, Professor of Literature at Bard College, discusses AI’s impact on college writing, positing that “the ability to write original and interesting sentences will become only more important in a future where everyone has access to the same A.I. assistants.” While it may seem counterintuitive —why spend time writing an essay when ChatGPT can do it in seconds?—a discussion between Hollis Robbins, Professor of English at the University of Utah, and Anastasia Berg, Professor of Philosophy at UC Irvine, underscores how the consequences of AI are becoming increasingly tangible. As Berg puts it:

The cost of relying on AI is a degradation of the most basic, fundamental, non-artisanal, non-specialized cognitive capacities… I’m talking about the capacity to take in information. I’m talking basic information. I’m talking about being able to understand what words mean… It’s about assessing the significance of that information, drawing conclusions from it, communicating our thoughts: how we convey our beliefs, also our worries and our questions—effectively, persuasively, but even just coherently—to others. That’s what I think is at stake right now.

Right, I know—a little scary. And I’m not sharing this to dissuade you from using AI thoughtfully and strategically in academic settings. In fact, AI can be incredibly helpful for brainstorming topics for application essays or exploring new directions in your writing. But I do hope this helps illustrate why strong foundations in writing and critical thinking will give students an edge in the future job market—because as these basic skills fade in others, they’ll set you apart.

Conclusion

As students navigate a rapidly changing job market, it will be essential to build skills that go beyond just efficiency and productivity, enabling young people to approach complex problems with fresh perspectives and intellectual dexterity. No matter what area you choose to major in—whether STEM, the humanities, or another field—pursuing a versatile education that sharpens your critical thinking and writing skills can open doors to future professional success and foster a fulfilling, sustainable life. While AI will inevitably continue to evolve, genuine curiosity, the ability to communicate effectively, and a capacity to engage deeply with the world around you—all hallmarks of a liberal education—will never become obsolete.

Want help turning your interests into a meaningful path? Request a consultation with our team and take the first step!

If you’re ready to dive deeper into your college application, check out the guide that our college admissions experts put together to help you navigate all the criteria admissions committees look at.

Return to all blogs