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Gen Z is asking ChatGPT what to do with their lives

A new study shows Gen Z trusts AI with major life decisions. Here's why marketers and education brands should pay attention.

Patrecia Meliana

15 Aug 2025 • 5 min read

A new study reveals how AI is impacting career and education decisions across America, especially for Gen Z.

Gen Z isn’t just using AI to cheat on homework or write TikTok captions anymore. According to new research from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, this generation is increasingly relying on tools like ChatGPT to decide what to do with their lives. That includes choosing careers, evaluating education options, and planning major life steps.

This article explores how Americans, particularly Gen Z, are integrating AI into their decision-making process and what this shift means for marketers in education, HR tech, and career services. With 42% of Gen Z already using AI for career decisions, this behavior is reshaping how the next generation makes choices.

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How Americans are using AI for career advice

More than half of Americans (52%) say they’re considering a career change. Among them, 34% have already used an AI tool like ChatGPT to guide that decision. These tools are being used not just to rewrite resumes but also to explore new roles, research job market demand, and compare education paths.

1 in 5 say AI introduced them to a career path they had never even considered.

And 25% of Gen Z respondents said they followed AI advice and were happy with the outcome. This shows that AI is not just part of the research phase. It is actively influencing outcomes.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University - AI usage in Americans to navigate their career

Gen Z is leading the charge in AI adoption

Gen Z stands out as the most AI-forward group. Forty-two percent have used AI to make a career decision, followed by 34% of millennials, 29% of Gen X, and only 23% of baby boomers.

They are also the most education-minded generation. 67% are considering enrolling in further education, compared to 57% of millennials and just 21% of baby boomers.

Their top interests include tech, healthcare, and scientific research. Notably, 22% are leaning toward boot camps and certificates instead of traditional degrees.

What marketers should know about this shift

Education and career-focused marketers should pay attention. Gen Z’s behavior signals a broader change in how people evaluate their options.

Here are four takeaways:

1. AI is now part of the buyer journey

Whether it’s suggesting new career paths or comparing degrees by ROI, AI tools are shaping how users think. Marketers should consider how their content might appear in AI-generated responses or how tools can be integrated into the decision process.

2. Content needs to be AI-friendly

If career decisions are being made through ChatGPT, then the underlying content these models pull from matters. Create structured, SEO-rich content that helps position your offerings clearly in the AI knowledge base.

3. Boot camps are booming

Traditional universities face growing competition from boot camps and certificate programs. With 41% of Americans looking at these faster, more affordable options, higher education marketers must differentiate on outcomes, flexibility, and job-readiness.

4. Blend human and AI support

Even though only 7% of respondents trust AI more than human advisors, 24% trust both equally. A hybrid approach that mixes automation with real guidance could help build confidence and conversion.

Education paths influenced by AI

Certificate and boot camp programs were the most popular next steps overall, cited by 41% of Americans. But Gen Z leans more toward undergraduate degrees, followed by business master’s programs and healthcare tracks.

Breakdown by generation:

Gen Z: 47% prefer undergrad degrees, 22% boot camps, 17% business master’s
Millennials: 48% prefer boot camps, 21% business master’s
Gen X: 50% prefer boot camps, 21% undergrad degrees
Boomers: 70% prefer boot camps, 20% undergrad degrees

Across all generations, tech was the most explored field using AI, followed by healthcare and finance.

The trust gap between AI and human advisors

Despite the increasing use of AI, most Americans still trust human career advisors more. Only 7% said they trust AI the most, while 60% favored human input. Still, one in six people followed AI advice even when it contradicted what a human advisor recommended.

Trust in AI also varies by age. Millennials and Gen X are the most likely to recommend using AI for big career or education decisions, followed by boomers and then Gen Z. This suggests that as more people gain experience with these tools, trust may increase.

Career guidance is evolving. It’s no longer just about a counselor’s advice or a search on LinkedIn. For Gen Z and younger millennials, AI is now a real part of how they decide what to do with their lives.

For marketers, especially in education or career services, this is a critical moment. Integrating AI into your content and strategy is no longer optional. The next generation is already asking ChatGPT what to do next.

The real question is: will your program be in the answer?

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