What job will your students have when they graduate? Martian data-center engineer? AI Bias auditor? With AI reshaping entire industries, the number and type of careers your students are preparing for look different than anything previous generations navigated.

In the Wall Street Journal article, The New Career Odyssey Waiting for Today’s College Grads, writer Callum Borches argues that today’s graduates need to think differently about careers and build transferable skills that travel with them across many roles. He profiles a 90-year-old career chameleon who swapped microfilm for private equity, and Sarah Iselin, who turned an art history degree into a career as CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. 

[Image credit: Juanjo Gasull for WSJ]

Click these links to access the article, student guide, and answer key

Wall Street Journal Article |  NGPF Student Reading Guide + Answer Key 

Reading time: ~5 minutes (986 words)

Discussion Questions

Use these to spark conversation after students read:

1. The article says today's graduates will likely hold twice as many jobs as people who started working 15 years ago. Does that sound exciting or stressful to you?
2. Sarah Iselin studied art history and photography but became CEO of a major health insurance company. She credits her artist's eye for helping her see and communicate clearly. Can you think of a skill you've built through a hobby, sport, or class that might be valuable in an unexpected career?

This reading pairs well with NGPF's Career unit.

This resource was created through NGPF's partnership with Dow Jones, bringing high quality financial journalism into personal finance classrooms across the country for free.

Every WSJ Wednesday, NGPF will highlight a classroom-ready article, video, or data crunch resource from the Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, or Barron's, including a student guide, discussion questions, and an answer key.

About the Author

Yonathan Tadesse

Yonathan is a Dallas-based Curriculum Designer at NGPF with 12 years of experience as a high school math, college transition, and financial literacy teacher. An award-winning educator, he has a track record of launching innovative programs at the high school level that expand access and opportunity for students. He is a graduate of Emory University and is passionate about advancing financial education for all students. Outside of work, Yonathan loves spending time with his wife and two kids, working out, playing chess and poker, and learning new things.

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