If you are a mother, aunt, mentor, or educator, chances are a young adult in your life has come to you with questions about their future: Should I go to college? Is it better to learn a trade? Do I need a degree to get ahead?
These questions are more complex than they used to be.
A growing number of companies are rethinking the need for a traditional four-year degree. According to new data from ResumeTemplates.com, one in four companies plans to stop requiring a bachelor’s degree for some roles by the end of the year. Among those that have already dropped the requirement, 84 percent say the shift has been successful. Employers are finding benefits in a broader, more diverse applicant pool and more flexibility with salary expectations.
Meanwhile, a separate report from ResumeBuilder.com reveals that 42 percent of Gen Z adults are already working in or pursuing skilled trade careers. That includes 37 percent of Gen Zers who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Many are choosing trades over traditional corporate jobs to avoid student debt and reduce the risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence. Hiring managers across industries are beginning to prioritize practical skills over formal education. This includes everything from data analysis and coding to emotional intelligence and adaptability.
For young people trying to map out their careers, the landscape looks unfamiliar. And this is where women ages 32 to 64 play a critical role. Whether you are guiding your own children, supporting a niece or nephew, mentoring a student, or advising someone informally, your lived experience has value. You’ve seen job markets rise and fall. You’ve adapted to changes in technology, industry trends, and personal circumstances. And you know that careers are rarely linear.
oday’s young adults don’t just need advice—they need context. They need someone to help them understand that success is not always tied to a diploma, and that fulfillment may come from a trade, an apprenticeship, or a nontraditional path. They need someone to encourage questions like: What are my natural strengths? What kind of lifestyle do I want? What trade-offs am I willing to make?
The job market will continue to evolve. But a strong support system, honest conversations, and real-world insight will always matter.
Be that voice. Share your story. And help the next generation navigate what comes next with confidence and clarity.
Sources:
ResumeTemplates.com (2025). Job Trend Reports
ResumeBuilder.com (2025). 4 in 10 Gen Z College Grads Are Turning to Blue-Collar Work
The Chundria Brownlow Show 
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