Source: UN News: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 00:00 AM
Choosing the path of the future has never been easy. In an era of rapid technological changes like Artificial Intelligence (AI), it has become even more difficult for today’s young generation to decide which skills will remain relevant in the years to come. on 15th July every year to highlight the importance of equipping youth with the necessary skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship. World Youth Skills Day Is celebrated. The 2026 theme ‘Skills for a Shared Future’ raises an important question – how do young people prepare for a labor market whose needs will change throughout their lives? “I believe today’s young people must be open-minded, flexible and ready to adapt to changing circumstances,” said Francesca Fanelli, senior associate director of graduate career development at Columbia University. Students and recent graduates need to be competitive and Drawing on her experience helping people thrive in a rapidly changing job market, she talks to UN News about effective ways to address this challenge. Skills for an uncertain future According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 40 percent of the skills workers rely on today could change or become obsolete by 2030. Therefore, it is more important than ever to adapt to changing circumstances and keep learning throughout life. Francesca Fanelli says that the solution is not to find a career that will not be affected by AI. Some students are showing more interest in skilled professions that are considered less affected by automation. Photo courtesy of Francesca Fanelli. Francesca Fanelli, Senior Assistant Director of Graduate Student Career Development at Columbia University. But career decisions should not be based solely on which jobs will be least affected by AI and technological changes. Instead, young people should focus on their interests and abilities and develop skills that can be used in different roles. At the same time, they need to explore opportunities in different industries and not be limited to one career path. And they need to be open to new possibilities. The solution is yours with AI too. It’s hard to predict the future of work, but according to Francesca Fanelli, one thing is clear: the effective use of AI is becoming a key skill in the workplace. “Employers are now looking for people who understand AI and know how to use this technology,” she says. The right question to ask. This includes asking, giving clear instructions, fact-checking the information the AI provides, and deciding how to use it. “Use AI as an assistant rather than a problem solver,” says Francesca Fanelli. “It’s up to you to solve the problem.” Making AI work for you AI can be useful throughout the application process for job seekers. Francesca Fanelli recommends using AI to analyze job descriptions, identify skills sought by employers, tailor application materials to the position, and prepare for interviews. According to her, the quality of the results largely depends on the clarity of the instructions given. She emphasizes that every application should reflect the candidate’s own experience and personality. “Make sure the language is your own and does not contain things you would never normally say,” she advises. Tweet URL
From Skills to Employability Learning how to use AI is only one part of preparing for the job market. For many students and recent graduates, the job search process can be extremely uncertain and difficult. “Many students become so overwhelmed with the process that they even get discouraged before they even start,” says Francesca Fanelli. According to statistics, it takes an average of 6.6 months to find a job in the United States. Continuing the search for such a long time requires effective strategies and the ability to deal with rejection and self-doubt. Despite strong academic qualifications, many graduates feel that they have little practical experience. Therefore, they sometimes feel “overqualified or underqualified”. But this does not mean that they do not have the skills required by employers. According to Francesca Fanelli, many young people underestimate the abilities they have developed during their studies. “Every job advertisement asks for skills such as collaboration, communication and team work. You have probably developed these skills during your education. You just need to know how to present them to an employer,” she said. Beyond the ‘dream job’ Francesca Fanelli advises young people not to put too much pressure on themselves to find the ‘ideal’ career. Don’t enter. “The dream job isn’t always what you think it will be,” she says. Instead of finding a job that fulfills every expectation, she recommends finding a job that brings you at least some level of satisfaction. Meaning in life can come not only from work, but also from family, friendships, community and personal interests. “Sometimes employment is just for the sake of financial stability, and there is nothing wrong with that,” he said. Key Findings Nearly 40 percent of the skills workers rely on today could change or become obsolete by 2030. Some suggestions from Francesca Fanelli, Senior Assistant Director, Columbia University – Do not look for a career that is completely safe from the impact of AI. Effective use of AI is becoming an important skill in the workplace. Explore opportunities in different industries and be open to new career possibilities. Focus on your interests and abilities and develop skills that can be useful in different roles and fields.
