Is AI-integrated career readiness the new reality? A case study of undergraduates’ perceptions in Pakistan

The rapid integration of AI into the labour market is reshaping the world of work and future career pathways. Higher education must therefore embed AI-informed career readiness to equip undergraduates with the skills and adaptability needed to thrive in an AI-driven world of work. Twenty-one final-year STEAM undergraduates took part in semi-structured interviews through purposive and snowball sampling. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded concurrently, then analysed using Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The findings of the study were: AI as an established academic tool; AI-integrated career readiness is essential for preparing for emerging careers and building technical and soft skills that match labour market demands; advocating the use of AI to avoid potential risks; and AI integration requires addressing contextual challenges and government policy on AI in education. Based on these findings, a framework was developed to help institutions, career services, and policymakers align curricula and support services with the AI-integrated labour market.