The University of Phoenix Career Institute released its sixth annual Career Optimism Index on Apr. 14, highlighting how U.S. workers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to build skills and prepare for career mobility. The study surveyed 5,000 working adults and 1,000 employers between January 21 and February 6.
The findings suggest that while the current labor market shows limited mobility, many employees are independently learning AI tools to boost their confidence and readiness for future job opportunities. This trend could signal a shift from what the report calls “job hugging”—staying put in stable roles—to “job hopping,” as more workers feel empowered by AI-driven skill development.
According to the study, half of all workers say that AI makes them more confident about switching roles. Among those who are knowledgeable about AI, optimism about job prospects rises to 75 percent compared to the overall rate of 63 percent. At the same time, nearly half of employers (48 percent) worry they cannot retain talent fluent in AI skills as demand grows faster than organizational adaptation.
John Woods, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at University of Phoenix, said: “AI is changing the workforce conversation in real time. While many organizations are focused on how AI can improve efficiency, our 2026 Career Optimism Index study shows workers are focused on how to use AI to help them grow and advance their careers. For employers, this is an important moment to lead with AI clarity, because organizations that make AI part of a broader growth strategy for their people may be better positioned to support engagement, satisfaction, and retention – particularly as hiring shows signs of strengthening and workers gain more confidence to explore new opportunities.”
Other key findings include that half of workers report learning about AI independently without formal employer support; nearly two-thirds want more guidance from employers; and clear strategies around integrating AI into work correlate with higher job satisfaction rates among employees.
The University of Phoenix offers over 100 career-focused programs linked to more than 300 professions according to its official website. The university works nationwide with a mission aimed at removing barriers for underserved communities while equipping students with practical skills for advancement in their careers or leadership roles according to its official website. It provides both online courses and has a physical campus in Phoenix according to its official website, serves students across the nation according to its official website, holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission according to its official website, and focuses on helping learners enhance organizational performance as well as community leadership according to its official website.
Employers may need new strategies for supporting employee development through clearer pathways for acquiring critical technology skills like those related to artificial intelligence.
