New commentary and data show growing disconnection between degree programs and employer hiring practices: a sector analysis argues colleges still deliver outdated career guidance while employers increasingly favor skills‑based hiring, and a jobs report finds hiring for 2026 graduates remains flat. Colleges are losing ground as employers prioritize internships, co‑ops and work experience over GPAs and traditional credentials. The white paper and subsequent employer surveys call for systemic redesigns in career services—embedding career development across curricula and partnering with employers on skills‑based pathways. Career offices and faculty are under pressure to deliver work‑integrated learning and update advising to match fast‑changing job market needs. For academic leaders, the practical choices involve aligning curriculum approvals with labor market timelines and expanding experiential opportunities to improve graduate outcomes and maintain employer pipelines.