Career Connections & Pathways

As graduation season approaches, many educators are asking an important question: Are students truly prepared for what comes next - not just academically, but professionally and personally?

A recent Forbes article by Mark C. Perna, “How The Class of 2026 Can Launch Successful Careers,” offers timely insights for educators supporting students as they transition into college, careers, apprenticeships, military service, or training programs. Perna is widely known for his work connecting education, workforce development, and career readiness for younger generations.

One of the strongest themes from the article: technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. In an AI-influenced workforce, durable human skills matter more than ever. 

1. Prioritize Durable Skills Daily

Communication, critical thinking, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving consistently rise to the top of employer expectations.

Simple classroom shifts:

• Build in collaborative problem-solving opportunities

• Ask students to present ideas verbally

• Use reflection prompts after projects or labs

• Incorporate professional communication expectations into assignments

These skills transfer across every pathway - college, career, military, and technical training alike.

2. Normalize Professional Networking

Many students graduate without understanding how relationships create opportunities.

Encourage students to:

• Practice informational interviews

• Build a basic LinkedIn profile

• Introduce themselves professionally

• Follow up with guest speakers or internship hosts

Even one meaningful industry connection can shape a student’s future direction.

3. Teach Students to Ask Better Questions

Perna highlights the importance of curiosity and preparation during interviews and career exploration. 

Try integrating prompts like:

• What problems does this career solve?

• What skills matter most in this industry?

• What surprised you about your career path?

• What does success look like in this field?

Questions build confidence - and confidence helps students navigate uncertainty.

4. Help Students Build an “AI + Human Skills” Mindset

AI fluency is quickly becoming part of career readiness, but students also need to understand what makes humans valuable in the workplace.

Educators can help students:

• Use AI tools responsibly for brainstorming and organization

• Evaluate credibility and accuracy of AI-generated content

• Strengthen communication, creativity, empathy, and judgment

• Understand that AI should support thinking - not replace it

The future workforce will likely reward students who can combine technical tools with strong human-centered skills.

5. Reinforce That Career Paths Are Rarely Linear

Students often feel pressure to have everything figured out immediately after graduation. The reality is that career pathways evolve.

Remind students:

• Career growth often comes from adaptability

• Short-term certifications and training programs can open doors

• Entry-level experiences matter

• Learning never fully stops

Helping students stay flexible may be one of the most valuable lessons we can teach.

Final Thought

Graduation is not the finish line - it’s the launch point. As educators, small daily shifts in how we build communication, career awareness, adaptability, and professional confidence into classrooms can have long-term impact on students’ futures.

For educators interested in reading the full article:

Forbes: How The Class Of 2026 Can Launch Successful Careers