A new Handshake-linked analysis highlights a widening disconnect between AI skills growth and entry-level job access, as students seek employment in an increasingly automated labor market. The reporting points to a tight job market in which entry-level roles lag even as colleges and employers emphasize AI-related competencies. Students report uncertainty and concern that AI and automation will affect which careers they can pursue. Survey results included job-market anxiety tied to AI substitution fears and heightened difficulty transitioning from school to work. For higher ed leaders, the practical problem is translating AI literacy into employable capabilities while also addressing the emotional and informational needs of students navigating a changing pathway. The story frames colleges as potential intermediaries—supporting career readiness and helping students navigate AI-driven screening and role evolution.