A More Positive Outlook on Future Jobs for Future Grads - with Jeffrey Moss

In this episode, I sat down with my longtime friend Jeffrey Moss, founder and CEO of Parker Dewey. During this impromptu conversation, Jeffrey and I talk about why employers are more positive about the future than you might read in the headlines. We dive into the most recent hiring data, how micro-internships help students and employers, and why curiosity and relationships matter more than anything else. We also talk about my upcoming book and how to make it easier to find a job. * * * * * * * * * * Are you a parent of current or soon-to-be college student? Are you a student? Join BEST FIRST YEAR, Harlan's College Success Coaching Community for High School & College Parents (and students) Use code Pod35 at checkout and get $35 off a 12 or 18 month membership. Tap here: https://courses.bestfirstyear.com/courses/your-first-course The Harlan Cohen Podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Subscribe and listen to Harlan’s podcast here: iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-harlan-cohen-podcast/id1531004466 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5f3901f-d7b6-4f73-b183-8a5e10c4423a/the-harlan-cohen-podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28gSjxL3CmmL6U9lpDDlCA Podbean: https://harlancohenpodcast.podbean.com/   Check out Parker Dewey here: https://www.parkerdewey.com/ The Naked Roommate Revised and Updated Edition:  https://shorturl.at/LOUHP   Articles mentioned: Entry-Level Hiring in the AI Era: What Employers Are Thinking (and Doing) https://www.strada.org/news-insights/entry-level-hiring-in-the-ai-era-what-employers-are-thinking-and-doing  Employer Use of Skills-Based Hiring Practices Grows (NACE Survey) https://www.naceweb.org/job-market/trends-and-predictions/employer-use-of-skills-based-hiring-practices-grows  The State of Higher Education 2026 Valued but Out of Reach: The Reality of Higher Education Today (Gallup-Lumina) https://www.gallup.com/analytics/644939/state-of-higher-education.aspx USA Today op-ed: College graduates face a better job market than you think (Courtney Brown - Lumina Foundation) https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2026/05/26/college-degree-job-market-hiring/90144602007/  Internship Program Retention Rates Underscore Long-term ROI https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/internships/internship-program-retention-rates-underscore-long-term-roi  About Jeffrey: Jeffrey Moss is the Founder and CEO of Parker Dewey LLC, a company focused on addressing the challenges associated with college-to-career transitions through Micro-Internships. Prior to founding Parker Dewey, Jeffrey spent most of his career as a venture capital investor focusing on the education and technology sectors. In addition, Jeffrey was Chief of Enterprise Growth at Educational Testing Service (ETS) where his efforts focused on the use of assessment to drive equity in education and employment. Jeffrey currently serves on the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Alumni Board, the Purdue University College of Liberal Arts Dean's Advisory Council, and the President’s Advisory Council of Governors State University.  Jeffrey's other relevant Board responsibilities have included: Chairman of the Board of Workstream (Nasdaq: WSTM), a software provider for human resources departments; OneGoal, a non-profit focused on college accessibility and persistence; the Chicago American Marketing Association; and the Illinois Venture Capital Association. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 4:01 - AI and Entry Level Hiring 5:53 - What Happens After You Get In 9:15 - Start With the End in Mind 12:20 - Curiosity and Relationships 15:54 - Little Bets, Low Stakes 19:24 - Jeffrey's Internship Wake-Up Call 26:20 - The Job "Date" Explained 35:19 - The Real AI Data 48:51 - Three Takeaways from NACE 55:12 - What Skills Based Hiring Really Means 58:58 - Create Your Own Micro Internship 1:06:27 - What's Coming Next SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:  www.youtube.com/@HelpMeHarlan   Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/harlancohen/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@helpmeharlan?... Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/harlan.cohen/ LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/harlancohen Twitter:  https://x.com/HarlanCohen Website: https://www.HarlanCohen.com