A snapshot of young Australians’ hopes, fears, and skill sets reveals a generation navigating ambition with caution
Australia’s next generation is caught between ambition and anxiety. A survey of young Australians from cities as diverse as Melbourne, Darwin and Adelaide reveals a story that’s both hopeful and hesitant.
They want to be change-makers, writers, coders, musicians and product leads. Yet scratch beneath the surface, and a different kind of realism sets in—one marked by worries over AI, rising costs, and whether university is keeping up.
Take Aatreyee Gupta studying at the University of Melbourne. In five years, she sees herself writing for a living, feeling assured in her voice. But when asked if her education is preparing her for that future, her answer is telling: “Somewhat.”
Others echo the same word, like a polite way of saying not really. Audrey from Southbank says she wants to work in environmental science and music, but admits to being “unsure of the possibilities” that AI will open or close.
For many, the future of work is exciting and terrifying in the same breath.
The majority of participants list adaptability and AI-related skills as critical for the decade ahead.
Maria Irene points to “adaptability” as the core skill she thinks will matter most, citing the pace of change in tech and media.
“Being able to work with whatever comes next. Maybe that’s the only skill we need.”
— Neha Seth, Hobart
Suzanne Ngasseppam from Monash Melbourne is more specific. “I see sees AI as a collaborative tool.”
Others like Sashi Kumar from Sydney simply lists “leadership” as the essential skill. One participant from Hobart, Neha Seth, says, “Being able to work with whatever comes next. Maybe that’s the only skill we need.”
And yet, these aren’t idle wishes. When asked what they wish they were learning but aren’t, respondents gave answers that cut across creativity and tech: photography, UI/UX, content creation, managerial skills, jazz piano.
There’s a hunger for depth, not just degrees. Several said they wanted to master AI prompts, financial literacy, or the art of turning ideas into products. There is a disconnect between formal learning pathways and the skills young Australians feel will be valuable.
On whether their school or university is preparing them well, only one respondent said “Yes” without hesitation. The others said “Somewhat” or didn’t respond. That silence speaks volumes. The sense is that something’s missing, not just in curriculum, but in confidence.
And confidence is a thread running through all the answers. Many of the students are already using AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, or image generators, but their feelings are mixed.
Some are excited by the new possibilities, like Maria Irene who says it “opens up creative possibilities we couldn’t dream of before.” But others, like Aatreyee and Sashi, are anxious. One writes, “It’s going out of hand.” That fear isn’t about losing creativity but being left behind.”
As Suzanne puts it, “I’m excited and anxious at the same time because it feels like the goalposts are always shifting.” Her sentiment could summarise the whole group’s mood: cautious optimism, tinged with a fear of irrelevance.
“Learning from someone who’s doing the job, not just talking about it, makes all the difference.”
— Kartik, Sydney
Asked what they worry most about in the future of work, job security came up again and again. Paired with the cost of living, mental health burnout, and AI displacing workers, it paints a bleak picture of what should be an exciting time in life. One answer grouped them all together: “Job Security; Cost of Living; AI taking over jobs.”
Learning preferences provide another insight. A large number of young people said they prefer “real-world experience” or “peer learning” over traditional lectures or textbooks.
Online courses like YouTube and Coursera rank high too. The classroom of choice is now modular, informal and often free. As Kartik from Sydney says, “Learning from someone who’s doing the job, not just talking about it, makes all the difference.”
The mismatch between aspirations and infrastructure is also visible in the skills they already know or want to learn. Across the board, young people name video editing, AI tools, financial literacy, negotiation and public speaking. These are practical tools for survival and expression in a fast-changing world, yet they are often treated as electives in formal education.
Their biggest value when it comes to work? Surprisingly, it isn’t just about money. Some do list income as the main motivator, especially those concerned with stability.
But many others say they value “flexibility and freedom” or “making a difference.” For a generation that grew up during climate emergencies, economic uncertainty and an AI boom, values like agency, purpose and autonomy are deeply intertwined with job satisfaction.
According to this mini-survey by The Indian Sun, education needs to keep up with changing times—not in five years, but right now.
On the question of whether they think they’ll have more or fewer job opportunities than their parents, most say “fewer.” People feel hopeful about learning new skills, but they’re not as confident about the systems or structures supporting them. One respondent simply writes, “Too early to say,” which might be the most honest answer of all.
Even their advice to younger people is pragmatic. “Upskill, more than education,” one person wrote. “Keep learning even if it’s small things,” says another. “Be intentional with the relationships you make,” advises Audrey. These aren’t just catchy sayings. They are survival tactics.
If there’s one big question, it’s this: How can Australia truly connect with these young people? Not through flashy words or empty promises, but through real, practical steps that respect who they are and what they need.
Three clear trends stand out. First, young people prefer hands-on learning. Second, they want to be skilled both online and in real-life conversations. And third, they’re quietly preparing for a future that feels more uncertain than anything their parents had to deal with.
Perhaps the real question isn’t what skill will matter most in ten years. It’s whether our systems can teach courage, teach reflection, teach grit. Because if these responses reveal anything, it’s that the young aren’t afraid of hard work. They’re afraid of being trained for a world that no longer exists.
According to this mini-survey by The Indian Sun, education needs to keep up with changing times—not in five years, but right now. Before the gap between what young people hope for and what’s actually possible gets even bigger.
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📚 A snapshot of young Australians reveals cautious optimism, craving hands-on skills, AI literacy & creative freedom. 🎓 Most say uni only “somewhat” prepares them for work, urging urgent #EducationReform. 🔧 Learning must evolve—now. 🚀 #TheIndianSun
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