As graduation season approaches, career expert Neil Burton, Executive Director of Clemson University’s Center for Career and Professional Development,
is offering timely guidance for the Class of 2026 as they prepare to enter an evolving and increasingly competitive job market. Burton emphasizes that employers are placing growing value on generative AI skills, noting that what is currently considered a competitive advantage will soon become a baseline expectation across industries. He also encourages graduates to build resilience in the face of rejection and view early-career setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Additionally, Burton highlights the importance of shifting from a student mindset to a professional one, where collaboration, communication and contributing to organizational goals take priority. With promising opportunities emerging in sectors such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, energy and finance, he stresses the importance of cross-disciplinary skills and relationship-building. According to Burton, while a strong resume may open the door, interpersonal skills and cultural fit are often what sustain long-term career success. In an interview, Neil Burton, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at Clemson University, shared insights into the state of today’s job market and the skills graduates need to thrive. Under his leadership, the Center has been ranked No. 1 by The Princeton Review. Here are excerpts from the interview: What are employers looking out for in today’s generation? Something that's important: more and more companies are starting to look for students and young professionals with AI skills. People who can use generative AI to perform complex tasks have an advantage right now. Before long, however, it will become an expectation. That's something new graduates should be thinking about as they prepare to enter the workforce. What advice would you give graduates who may face setbacks or rejection during their job search? Resilience is going to be key. You’re going to hear “no” a lot, and that’s okay. It’s not a judgment of you or your worth as a person. You need to stay persistent and try not to take rejection personally, even though that can be difficult. How should new graduates approach their first job after college? It’s important to understand the difference between a job and a career. Your first job is not your forever job; it’s simply the first rung on the ladder. Use it to position yourself for the next opportunity. Graduates shouldn’t feel pressured to find the perfect job immediately after leaving school. What mindset should graduates adopt when it comes to making mistakes early in their careers? Students need to learn how to make productive mistakes. We all make mistakes, but the key is learning from them. Career growth isn’t about throwing a bunch of ideas at the wall to see what sticks. It’s about reflecting on experiences and applying those lessons moving forward. What is one of the biggest adjustments students need to make when transitioning from university to the workplace? One major adjustment is evolving from being a customer to being a provider. In a university setting, the campus culture is designed around students. Programs, housing and services are all geared toward supporting the student experience. How does the professional world differ from the university environment, and what challenges can that create for graduates? When you move into a professional role, you’re no longer the center of the universe. You have to shift your focus toward serving the needs of customers, clients or the organization as a whole. Adapting to that mindset can take time. Which industries or sectors do you believe will offer strong career opportunities for graduates in the coming years? Power generation is certainly one area to watch. Healthcare will continue to grow as populations age. Advanced manufacturing could also expand, particularly as more production returns to the United States. Finance remains another strong sector. I would also encourage students to consider cross-disciplinary roles that combine expertise from multiple fields. Also read | Why 85% of Teachers Believe There’s Too Much Technology in Classrooms Why are cross-disciplinary skills becoming increasingly important in today's workforce? When you graduate, you won’t just be a nurse, accountant, engineer or any other specialist. You’ll be working alongside people from a wide range of disciplines. Those who can communicate effectively across different fields are often the ones who achieve the greatest success. How can students and young professionals use AI effectively to enhance their careers? Most young people entering college today already have some experience with AI. If you have the opportunity to use it ethically, I encourage you to do so. Learn how to write effective prompts and use an iterative process to generate more sophisticated and useful outcomes. Beyond technical skills and qualifications, what qualities help candidates succeed in the hiring process and their careers? AI should be used thoughtfully—not simply as a tool to ask, “Can you write my English paper for me?” The goal is to use it responsibly and strategically. Beyond that, remember: your resume gets you the interview, but your people skills get you the job. Building strong relationships is essential, not only in your current role but throughout your career. How can professional relationships benefit someone throughout their career? If you do a good job of building and maintaining relationships, they will pay dividends later when you’re looking for your next opportunity. What should graduates consider when evaluating job offers and potential employers? I encourage students to carefully evaluate company culture alongside salary and benefits. It’s important to find an organization where they feel welcomed and supported, and where the company’s values align with their own. Why is it important for employees to find a workplace that aligns with their personal values? If there’s a mismatch between your values and the organization’s culture, it doesn’t matter how much the job pays or how rewarding the work may seem. Over time, that disconnect can lead to significant stress and dissatisfaction.
