Rethinking College: Preparing Our Kids for an AI-Driven Future

The Rise of AI and AGI

AI is transforming almost every field out there. It's not just tech companies; it's finance, health care, creative industries—you name it. Fresh college grads are going to face an entirely different world than even those graduating just a few years ago.

I'm talking about a world 12 months after the birth of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—a world where the rules as we know them are being rewritten. Picture a student leaving school in 2028, stepping into a job market that has changed almost overnight. AGI is now capable of learning and adapting in ways that make many current jobs obsolete or massively downsized. The opportunities that used to be there for new grads just aren't the same, and in many cases, they simply don’t exist anymore.

Rethinking the College Path

I need to be clear—I think it's a huge mistake to keep pushing our kids into a traditional four-year college when that path might not be leading where they think it is. College was already not as valuable as it once was, and for many degrees, it’s leading to a lot of debt and heartbreak without the career security or other return on investment that it was supposed to bring.

The truth is, there are alternatives. There are so many ways to prepare for the future that don’t involve a four-year degree. We need to be looking at associate degrees, IT certifications, and vocational schools. And let’s not forget the building trades—plumbing, electrical, carpentry. These trades are going to be in demand, and they can't be outsourced to AI. These are the kinds of skills that will always have value, regardless of how advanced technology becomes.

Jobs Heavily Impacted by AI

Here are some examples of jobs that are likely to be heavily impacted by AI within the next 5 years—either because AI can do the job itself or make the role so efficient that fewer people are needed. These jobs typically require a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelor's degree (obviously these are not the only jobs affected):

Administrative Assistant: AI scheduling and task management tools can significantly reduce the need for administrative support.

Paralegal: AI legal research tools are making paralegal tasks faster and more efficient, which means fewer positions will be available.

Market Research Analyst: AI tools can analyze data and generate insights much faster than humans, impacting traditional market research roles.

Accounting Specialist: Accounting software with AI capabilities is automating bookkeeping tasks, reducing the need for human bookkeepers.

Brand Strategist: AI-driven data analysis and consumer insights are making brand strategy more efficient, which could reduce the need for human brand strategists.

Exploring Alternatives

Technical programs, certifications, and hands-on learning opportunities are out there, and they provide real skills that are adaptable and in demand. The trades are crying out for skilled people, and these jobs come with solid pay, benefits, and a sense of accomplishment that isn’t going anywhere.

We need electricians, HVAC specialists, welders, and plumbers—these roles are essential, and no AI can replace the person who knows how to fix your furnace in the middle of winter or troubleshoot an electrical issue that's causing a data center outage that's keeping critical systems offline.

Whether your student is two months into their freshman year or still planning their applications, understanding AI, automation, and how these tools work is going to be like understanding how to send an email—just a basic skill that's expected. And for some, exploring different paths—like technical programs, certifications, or direct work experience—could be more beneficial than a traditional college degree. There are so many ways to succeed, and the traditional path is just one of them.

Adapting to the Changing Landscape

Learning to use AI might not be the answer, as even as soon as a year from now we might not need to type prompts into chatbots at all—there will likely be AI using AI to give us what we want.

I know it can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance everything else that comes with being in college (or preparing for it), but a little awareness goes a long way. We just need to make sure they see the changing landscape ahead, not as a scary unknown, but as an adventure they can be ready for.

Final Thoughts

If anyone wants to talk more about this, you know I’m here. I’ve got some resources that can help get started, too. Let’s make sure these kids are set up for success—not blindsided by change, but leading it. Also, it's important to understand that learning about AI outside of school is crucial. Many educational institutions are hesitant to embrace AI due to concerns about its potential impact on cheating, which means students may need to take the initiative to explore AI independently if they want to stay ahead.