A growing mismatch between career guidance and the realities of today’s job market is leaving America’s next generation of workers uncertain and unprepared. That’s the key takeaway from a new report by the Schultz Family Foundation and HarrisX, which reveals deep disconnects among young people, their mentors, and the employers hiring them.
Why it matters:
This misalignment is contributing to youth unemployment and a rising sense of anxiety among young adults about their future in the workforce, particularly as AI and new technologies rapidly transform job expectations.
The numbers tell the story:
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46% of young people (ages 16 to 24) say they feel unsure or unprepared for the jobs of the future.
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Only 43% believe there are enough job opportunities available, compared to 71% of employers who say the same.
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Among adults offering career advice, 53% of parents and 57% of counselors say opportunities exist, revealing a stark perception gap.
"This is a real alarm bell for our nation," said Rajiv Chandrasekaran, managing director at the Schultz Family Foundation. "The people who are essential to helping support young people are fundamentally misaligned."
Outdated advice in a fast-changing world
Parents remain the top source of career advice for most young people, but many are relying on outdated experiences. While 66% of parents say their children should pursue different career paths than they did, 79% still base their advice on their own personal experience, which often doesn’t align with today’s evolving job landscape.
"Parents are working off an outdated playbook," said Dritan Nesho, CEO of HarrisX. "The result is that many young adults feel lost — their most trusted resource isn’t equipped to guide them through the modern economy."
Meanwhile, educators and counselors are also feeling the pressure. 58% say the current education system and job market resources are not doing enough to guide young people effectively.
Employers expect readiness, but few offer preparation
Employers, too, play a role in this disconnect. While 44% say young workers are not adequately prepared for the workforce, many companies have set up barriers that prevent young people from gaining the experience they need.
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77% of employers require at least one year of experience for entry-level roles, yet only 38% offer internships.
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43% require a four-year degree, and 40% admit they do so simply because it’s standard industry practice, not because the job requires it.
“These companies say the right things about supporting youth,” Nesho added, “but they’re often creating unrealistic entry points.”
One young worker’s experience
Aaliyah Kashem, a 22-year-old working as a security guard in Manhattan, exemplifies the uncertainty many young adults are facing. She wants to transition into a career in business or health care but is unsure how to take the next step.
“College is definitely needed,” she told Axios, “but I can’t afford it right now.”
Though she’s gaining valuable skills like communication and customer service on the job, she’s still trying to figure out how to translate that experience into a career path.
“I’m taking things one step at a time,” she said. “I have all these skills, but how do I put that on a résumé to show what I know?”