The higher education sector reflects shifting labor dynamics amid AI and economic uncertainty. Fortune 500 CFOs increasingly gain promotion internally, signaling stable leadership pipelines. However, layoffs, hiring freezes, and budget constraints persist at universities like University of Chicago. Career experts warn Gen Z faces hiring freezes on entry-level roles as AI automates traditional jobs, pressing graduates to showcase problem-solving and AI literacy. Faculty call for greater classroom autonomy to improve morale. These trends illustrate evolving workforce strategies balancing technological change and personnel needs.