June 18, 2026
WorkSource Montgomery was recently featured in Al Jazeera English’s This is America series in an episode titled, Degrees without Careers: Why US New Graduates Can’t Find Jobs.
The report explores a growing challenge facing young professionals across the country: earning a college degree no longer guarantees an easy path to employment. While many graduates are entering the workforce with strong educational credentials, they are facing a labor market shaped by economic uncertainty, evolving employer expectations, artificial intelligence, and increased competition for entry-level opportunities.
As part of the segment, Al Jazeera interviewed WSM President & CEO Anthony Featherstone, who shared insight into how technology is changing the job search landscape for new graduates.
“You just graduated and looking for your first job. That may not necessarily set you apart right now because AI has allowed us all to be more effective in our job search preparation.”
— Anthony Featherstone, President & CEO, WorkSource Montgomery
Featherstone explained that while artificial intelligence has created new opportunities for jobseekers to improve resumes, prepare for interviews, and streamline applications, it has also intensified competition. As more candidates leverage the same tools, standing out in the hiring process has become increasingly difficult—particularly for recent graduates competing against experienced professionals for a limited number of entry-level positions.
The segment highlights a reality that workforce professionals have been observing across the country: employers are increasingly seeking a combination of education, practical experience, technical skills, and demonstrated adaptability. A degree remains valuable, but today’s job market often requires candidates to go beyond traditional credentials.
At WSM, helping jobseekers navigate these changing dynamics is central to our mission. Through career coaching, skills training, industry-recognized certifications, employer partnerships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities, WSM helps residents build the competitive advantages needed to succeed in today’s labor market.
For recent graduates, that may mean developing in-demand skills, gaining hands-on experience, expanding professional networks, or pursuing additional credentials that align with industry needs. For employers, it means identifying talent based not only on degrees, but also on skills, potential, and demonstrated capabilities.
WSM is proud to contribute its expertise to national conversations about the future of work and the evolving relationship between education and employment. As workforce trends continue to shift, our commitment remains the same: helping individuals connect to meaningful careers and helping employers access the talent they need to grow.
Watch the full Al Jazeera segment here to learn more about the challenges facing today’s graduates and the workforce solutions helping communities adapt to a changing economy.