Choosing a career path has become increasingly challenging for young people due to rapid technological changes, including artificial intelligence (AI), which make it difficult to predict which skills will remain relevant in the future.

On World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on 15 July, the 2026 theme "Skills for the Shared Future" highlights the need to equip youth with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship that will evolve throughout their lives.

Francesca Fanelli, senior associate director of graduate career development at Columbia University, stressed the importance of being open-minded, flexible, and adaptable in today's job market. She noted that nearly 40% of the skills workers currently rely on could change or become outdated by 2030, according to estimates from the World Economic Forum.

Fanelli offered practical advice for young job seekers: learning to use AI effectively, exploring opportunities across various industries, focusing on personal interests and strengths, and building a broad set of transferable skills. She also pointed out that many students underestimate the value of the abilities they have already developed during their studies.

Highlighting the challenges faced by job seekers, Fanelli referenced data showing that it takes an average of 6.6 months for job seekers in the United States to secure employment. She emphasized that sustaining a job search over such a period requires an effective strategy and resilience to cope with rejection and self-doubt.

These insights underscore the growing importance of adaptability and lifelong learning as essential tools for youth navigating an uncertain and evolving labor market.

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