AI Is Killing Entry-Level Jobs: Discover the Graduate Careers That Are Still Thriving

AI's Impact on the Job Market

As AI reshapes the workforce, many recent college graduates are finding it harder to secure entry-level positions. The labor market has slowed, with tariffs and AI advancements making it tough for companies to hire. This has pushed more students toward graduate school as an alternative path.

Why Graduate School Is Gaining Popularity

Recent data shows that 5.8% of recent college graduates were unemployed as of September 2025, compared to 4.1% of all workers. Entry-level jobs are being disproportionately replaced by AI, leaving young workers feeling unprepared. In response, many are turning to graduate programs, with law school admissions hitting their highest levels in over a decade during the 2024-2025 cycle.

Graduate school offers benefits like delayed student loan repayment and typically leads to higher-paying jobs than those with just a bachelor's degree.

High-Demand Graduate Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain graduate degrees are expected to have strong job prospects in the coming years:

• Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected to be in high demand.
• Lawyers are also expected to have plenty of job openings.
• Career counselors are another field with growing opportunities.

These fields may be excellent options for bachelor's degree graduates struggling in the current job market, as they offer better prospects and align with societal needs.