Hello friends! Every year, thousands of students ask the same question: “What career should I choose?” In 2026, this question is more important than ever. The job market is changing fast, and students want careers that offer stability, good pay, and room to grow.
The good news is that we have real data showing what students are actually searching for. According to recent research, UK learners are upskilling at an all-time high, proactively equipping themselves with tools needed to succeed in a digital-first economy . From AI courses to nursing degrees, student interests tell us a lot about where the job market is headed.
This guide will show you the most searched career options by students in 2026, based on search data, college applications, and job market research. Whether you are in high school choosing a major or a college student planning your future, this information will help you make smart decisions.
Quick Highlights:
- AI courses are the most searched skill with 127,790 monthly searches
- IT courses rank #1 for career-focused searches at 74,090 per month
- Nurse Practitioner is the #1 best job overall according to U.S. News 2026 rankings
- Data analyst and data engineer roles are among the most searched job titles
- Computer science remains the top college major for career-minded students
What Students Are Searching For: The Big Picture
When students think about their futures, they search for two things: specific careers and the skills needed to get those jobs. Understanding both helps paint a complete picture.
According to Fasthosts research using Semrush data, students are searching for career-related courses in massive numbers :
| Career Course | Average Monthly Searches |
|---|---|
| IT course | 74,090 |
| Digital marketing course | 67,180 |
| Project manager course | 65,670 |
| Graphic design course | 34,590 |
| Software engineer course | 32,530 |
| Data analyst course | 20,890 |
| Machine learning engineer course | 17,240 |
| Web designer course | 16,160 |
| UX designer course | 13,670 |
| Product manager course | 13,000 |
These numbers show that students are thinking seriously about careers that combine technical skills with real-world application. IT leads the way, but project management and digital marketing are close behind.
Most Searched Skills by Students
Beyond specific job titles, students are searching for skills that make them employable. The skill-based search data is even more revealing :
| Skill Course | Average Monthly Searches |
|---|---|
| AI course | 127,790 |
| Excel course | 79,550 |
| Coding course | 56,770 |
| Python course | 54,640 |
| Bookkeeping course | 37,860 |
| SEO course | 32,370 |
| Xero course | 25,590 |
| Power BI course | 19,120 |
| SQL course | 17,410 |
| Machine learning course | 17,240 |
AI courses dominate with nearly 128,000 monthly searches. This makes sense—artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, and students want to be part of that change. But traditional skills like Excel and bookkeeping remain popular, showing that students understand the value of foundational business tools.
As Carys Pickerill, Talent Acquisition Partner at Fasthosts, explains: “There has been some uncertainty around a career in tech in recent years due to industry news around large-scale lay-offs, and it’s still unclear just how much Artificial Intelligence will take over. But one thing that is clear is that a career in tech is still a much desired career path” .
Most Searched Job Titles by Students
Monster’s 2026 Job Market Outlook reveals which job titles students are actually searching for when looking for work .
Top Job Titles by Search Volume
From a pure volume standpoint, job seekers gravitate toward familiar “always-hiring” roles :
- Customer service representative
- Data engineer
- Administrative assistant
- Data analyst
- Warehouse worker
Fastest-Growing Job Searches
More interesting are the roles showing the largest year-over-year increases in search interest :
- Registered nurse
- CDL driver
- CNA (certified nursing assistant)
- Machine learning engineer
- Delivery driver
This shift toward healthcare, transportation, and technical roles shows that students are paying attention to where real demand exists. Healthcare jobs dominate because of staffing shortages and an aging population, while machine learning engineer reflects the AI boom .
Top College Majors Students Are Choosing
When students commit to a four-year degree, certain majors stand out. According to USC Pre-College, these are the top college majors for 2026 based on career prospects .
Computer Science
Computer science remains the king of career-focused majors. As AI becomes embedded in nearly every industry, the demand for people who understand how technology actually works continues to rise. A computer science major builds foundational knowledge in coding, software development, systems design, and AI—skills that power everything from apps to automation tools .
Rather than replacing computer scientists, AI has increased the need for professionals who can build, evaluate, and improve intelligent systems. Graduates move into software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and emerging tech fields .
Engineering
For students who prefer building tangible solutions, engineering offers another strong path. Engineers design and develop the physical systems that make modern technology possible, including chips, circuits, and hardware. The field spans many specialties: biomedical, environmental, electrical, and more .
Business Administration
Business administration remains one of the most versatile majors. It prepares students for careers in finance, management, operations, human resources, and entrepreneurship. This major works well for students who want flexibility as industries evolve .
Nursing
Technology may be advancing, but healthcare needs are not going anywhere. As populations age and medical systems expand, nurses remain essential across hospitals, clinics, and private practices. A nursing major offers a direct route into the healthcare workforce and provides long-term job security .
Healthcare Administration
Not every healthcare career involves direct patient care. Healthcare administration focuses on managing the systems that support medical professionals—hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations. This major blends management, operations, and policy .
Education
Despite advances in educational technology, teachers remain irreplaceable. Education majors prepare students to guide learning, support development, and adapt instruction to diverse needs. Teaching continues to offer stability, purpose, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact .
Marketing
As long as organizations need to connect with audiences, marketing will remain essential. Today’s marketing roles emphasize digital strategy, storytelling, data analysis, and customer insight. Marketing majors can work across entertainment, technology, nonprofits, and higher education .
Law
The legal field continues to offer structure, influence, and long-term career stability. Lawyers help individuals, businesses, and institutions navigate complex systems—a role that remains deeply human and context-driven, even in the age of AI. Law is best suited for students who enjoy critical thinking and advocacy .
Top Careers According to U.S. News 2026 Rankings
U.S. News releases an annual list of the 100 best jobs, and students pay close attention. The 2026 rankings, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, evaluate careers on future prospects, salary potential, employment, job safety, and work-life balance .
The Top 3 Best Jobs of 2026
#1: Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners perform many duties similar to doctors, including physical exams, ordering and analyzing lab results, prescribing medications, and approving treatment plans. They often specialize in areas like adult health, pediatrics, or mental health.
#2: Financial Manager
Financial managers act as “financial doctors” for organizations. They prepare financial reports, coordinate investments, and develop long-term financial strategies.
#3: IT Manager
IT managers coordinate computer-related activities within organizations. They analyze technology needs, install and maintain hardware and software, and ensure network security.
The Rest of the Top 10
Pilots top the salary chart at $226,000 median pay, though job growth is slower than other fields .
Top Tech Careers Students Are Researching
The London School of Economics identifies the most in-demand tech careers for 2026 based on job availability, satisfaction, and earning potential .
AI and Machine Learning Engineer
Demand for AI engineers is outpacing supply, especially in finance, healthcare, and enterprise automation. The integration of generative AI, MLOps, and edge AI technologies drives growth. Job satisfaction is high because engineers work on cutting-edge projects shaping the future.
Data Analyst and Data Scientist
Data professionals analyze large datasets to uncover patterns and drive business decisions. UK employer demand for skilled analysts rose 25% in 2025. These careers offer many opportunities for progression in almost every industry.
Data Governance and AI Ethics Specialist
As regulations tighten, organizations need specialists to strengthen data frameworks. This field combines technical expertise with social purpose, offering autonomy and influence over policy and trust.
AI Product Manager
AI product management is becoming a core business discipline. Over 76% of product leaders expect to expand AI investment. This role offers strategic influence and high visibility.
Cybersecurity Analyst and Engineer
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career sectors with zero unemployment. These professionals protect organizations from cyber threats, offering strong purpose and job security.
Careers Students Search That Are AI-Proof
Some students worry about AI replacing jobs. USC Online researched careers that are both recession-proof and AI-proof for 2026 .
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators oversee systems, budgets, and teams in medical facilities. While AI can assist with data, human judgment is essential for executive decisions affecting real people .
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists provide hands-on care for patients with mobility challenges. Digital tools can help with diagnosis, but proper treatment requires human expertise and professional guidance .
Cybersecurity Analyst
Every organization needs human oversight to safeguard digital assets. Cybersecurity analysts protect sensitive data, monitor systems, and respond to threats .
Lawyer
When real disputes arise, clients need nuanced analysis, advocacy, and courtroom presence that only human lawyers can provide .
Teacher
AI tools can explain concepts, but they cannot replace teachers in shaping students’ learning journeys. Educators recognize where students struggle and personalize their experience .
Supply Chain Coordinator
Goods still need to move, and the global economy depends on people who keep supply chains running efficiently. While AI can optimize parts of the process, human oversight remains critical .
Emergency Services Coordinator
Emergencies are inevitable. Coordinators develop response plans and lead recovery efforts, requiring quick thinking, communication, and empathy—distinctly human traits .
“New Collar” Jobs Students Are Discovering
Not every good career requires a four-year degree. Resume Genius identifies “new collar” jobs—roles paying over $100,000 where skills and experience matter more than formal education .
| Job Title | Median Pay | Top Pay | Growth | AI Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $159,660 | $239,200 | 6% | 39% |
| HR Manager | $140,030 | $239,200 | 5% | 24% |
| Sales Manager | $138,060 | $239,200 | 5% | 33% |
| Computer Network Architect | $130,390 | $198,030 | 12% | 39% |
| General/Operations Manager | $129,330 | $232,110 | 6% | 36% |
These careers appeal to students who want high pay without the time and cost of a traditional degree .
What Employers Want vs. What Students Search
The University of Oregon’s Mohr Career Services analyzed the NACE Job Outlook 2026 Report to help students understand what employers actually want .
GPA Matters Less Than You Think
Only 42% of employers plan to screen by GPA in 2026—down from 73% in 2019. What matters more :
- Academic major (94%)
- Industry experience (81%)
- Internships in their industry (79%)
- Internship with their organization (74%)
Skills-Based Hiring Is Growing
Nearly 70% of employers now use skills-based hiring. Students should :
- Prepare for skills-based interviews with specific examples
- Get hands-on experience during college
- Translate coursework into skills statements
- Create skills-based resumes focused on what they can do
The Work Environment
Entry-level roles in 2026 will be :
- 50% hybrid
- 43% fully in-person
- 6% fully remote
Don’t Panic About AI
61% of employers are not replacing entry-level jobs with AI. Only 14% are even discussing it. Instead, 26% are actively exploring how AI can support entry-level work. The message: learn to work with AI tools—jobs aren’t disappearing, they’re evolving .
Regional Demand for Student Career Choices
Where you look for work matters. Different regions have different needs .
Social Work
Social workers are in high demand on both coasts, especially Northern California and Northeastern America. Social work degrees apply to increasingly important roles in society .
Nursing
One-third of nurses are over 50, and half of that group plans to retire within a decade. California and Florida currently have the highest demand, but as shortages grow, demand will spread nationwide .
Finance
Financial jobs are migrating away from Wall Street to smaller cities like New Orleans, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Lower costs of living offset smaller salaries, making these locations ideal for recent graduates .
Clean Energy
Clean energy startups are rising as green technology becomes more efficient. California leads, but Texas is fertile ground for wind energy innovation. New programs like renewable energy engineering provide entry points .
Tech
California’s Silicon Valley and SoCal remain major tech players. Computer science and web design majors should look to the West Coast for careers .
How Students Should Choose Based on Search Data
With all this information, how should students make decisions? Here is practical advice based on the data.
Follow the Skill Searches
Students searching for AI, Python, and data skills are on the right track. These foundational abilities open doors across industries .
Consider Healthcare
Healthcare dominates the best-job lists for good reason. Nurse practitioner is #1 overall, and healthcare administration, nursing, and physical therapy all offer stability and growth .
Look at “New Collar” Options
Not every path requires a four-year degree. Marketing manager, HR manager, and computer network architect offer six-figure salaries with skills-based hiring .
Get Experience
Employers value internships and hands-on experience more than GPA. Students should seek part-time work, projects, and volunteer roles in their target industries .
Build a Portfolio
Create concrete examples of your work. For tech roles, build projects on GitHub. For marketing, document campaign results. Show employers what you can do .
Learn AI Tools
AI is not replacing jobs—it’s changing them. Students who learn to work alongside AI tools will have an advantage .
Final Thoughts
Friends, the most searched career options by students in 2026 tell us a clear story. Students want careers that combine technical skills with human judgment. They are investing time in AI, data, and healthcare because these fields offer real opportunities.
The U.S. News rankings confirm that healthcare and technology dominate the best-job lists . The LSE data shows that AI fluency is becoming as essential as digital literacy once was . And Monster’s job market outlook proves that demand is concentrating in practical, skill-based positions .
For students making decisions today, the path forward is clear: build skills that matter, get hands-on experience, and stay adaptable. As one expert noted, “Success will belong to those who evolve with technology itself—professionals who learn fast, think critically, and adapt before the market demands it” .
Whether you choose computer science, nursing, marketing, or a skilled trade, the key is to start with real data about where opportunities exist. The most searched careers by students in 2026 are a reliable guide—they show where your peers are placing their bets.
Now it’s your turn. Use this information, follow your interests, and build the future you want.
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