Education | Fall 2026

EDUCATION GUIDE

SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026

A university careers coordinator says it's important for students to focus on careers that are going to be meaningful and satisfying.

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And I think it is a field where compensation is keeping up a little bit better with the cost of living. I think for those reasons, students are really gravitating towards health care.” MacPherson has also noticed an increased interest among students in careers in mental health supports and counselling, something she attributes in part to the fact that mental health is far less stigmatized than it once was. Global instability and climate change are also prompting many learners to consider courses that offer an opportu- nity to effect positive changes in the world, she adds. There has been plenty of chatter about AI and its potential impact on the workplace. It’s definitely on the minds of post-secondary students exploring their career options, but not how you might think. “I would say in general we’re seeing slightly less interest in students in wanting to develop AI skills or AI-ready skills,” MacPherson says. “In the career planning work that we do with students, they’re pre- senting more concerns around AI. It’s really front of mind for them. We’re getting questions about … what fields are going to be most affected by AI. Students are steering away from certain degree path- ways because of concerns with AI. They feel AI might be eliminating certain occupations.” MacPherson’s advice to students who may not be sure about which post-secondary path might be right for them is to consult with a career specialist at their current or future learning institution. They can help by providing some “myth busting” regarding educational requirements prospective employers may or may not have.

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She also recommends students listen to their heart.

“We tell students it’s really important to keep your focus on work that’s going to be meaningful and satisfying for you. What work is going to be well-suited to them is important because when there are downsizes in industries, it’s the people that do well and are passion- ate about what they’re doing that typically survive any decline.” n

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