But for most the road ahead is probably pretty uncertain.

I admit that I can’t really comprehend what it’s like to be a graduate today. They face immediate economic challenges like inflation, international conflict, housing affordability issues, and an uncertain job market.

Casting an enormous, intimidating shadow over their future is the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. The same AI tools many came to rely on as students might be the ones that severely damage their ability to get employment.

They have plenty to be concerned about — but this is nothing new.

Every generation of college graduates have headed out into the world facing their own challenges. Hopefully all of those who are graduating or have graduated this year have learned enough about history to appreciate that they aren’t facing the Great Depression or a world war or even the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to talk to graduates, both individually and in groups. I’ve always shared the same simple piece of advice:

Chase your dreams — but always have backup plans.

I would give that exact same message to every single one of our college graduates.

I hope they don’t listen to the naysayers, those who seem determined to focus on the negatives or the difficulties. It’s very easy to dismiss dreams as being statistically unlikely or not economically viable.

But when I’ve talked to individuals who wanted to go into fields that might be perceived as not having very many positions, I reminded them that someone was going to get the jobs that were available. With the right combination of dedication, determination, and perseverance (with a touch of good fortune mixed in), it could be them.

I recommend positioning themselves as best as possible for the openings that they might be interested in. Let people know that they are passionate and driven to succeed, and the door is more likely to be opened at some point.

But life doesn’t have guarantees. You can do everything right in chasing your dream job and not have it become a reality for you.

That’s why you always want to have backup plans.

Try something different. Take advantage of opportunities. Don’t close yourself off to possibilities because you’re so fixated on one ideal.

I think all of us who have been going down our career paths for a few years either are or know people who have found success and personal fulfillment doing things they never planned on doing. But they got a shot, took it, and turned out deciding it was the right thing for them.

Graduates, I think the most important thing you can develop is confidence in your own abilities.

Times will change. Technology will evolve. Some careers will fade while others will become more in demand.

Currently artificial intelligence as a classic example of that.

Yes, AI is changing the needs for certain jobs. But I suspect the likelihood of overreliance on that technology will make those who differentiate themselves with interpersonal relationships much more valuable.

Every individual can bring something unique to the table, whether it is there personality, their problem-solving ability, their expertise in certain areas, their drive to make things happen, their ability to connect with others, or a host of other beneficial traits.

You won’t have all of those, but you will have your unique combination of them. That makes you valuable, so all you need to find is the right opportunity to demonstrate how you can be an asset.

So, to all who are graduating, I hope you will face the challenges of the coming months and years with your heads held high and determination to take on every challenge, overcome every obstacle, and build your own successes.

Congratulations to all of our college graduates for reaching this milestone.

There are many more milestones to come. Enjoy the ride.

Jared Lloyd is the managing editor of the Daily Herald and can be reached at jlloyd@heraldextra.com