A new report shows that nearly half of hiring managers would rather invest in artificial intelligence tools than train the latest class of college graduates, according to a survey by ResumeTemplates.com. Analysts surveyed 1,000 hiring managers who stated that 55% of their companies have shifted their hiring budgets to AI tools, making it more difficult for the Class of 2026 to secure entry-level positions. Nathan Espey, founder and CEO of Farcellus AI Consulting, said, "It's not the end of young people getting jobs," but noted that employers now seek candidates with strong soft skills like communication and human judgment who can integrate technology into workflows. Graduates can no longer rely on a degree alone, as companies bypass traditional onboarding to save on training costs. Espey advised that young people "need to walk in with proof that they can learn and use the tools and communicate and create value fast for that company." Laila Anderson, a rising senior at the University of Tampa, said she is focusing on networking and improving her resume, adding, "I'm not necessarily worried about it," though she acknowledged AI is a concern for many classmates.