Will artificial intelligence replace humans and create a new class of workers whose skills are no longer needed due to advancements in technology?
This question haunts job seekers as the future of AI, depending on whom you ask, is poised to reshape and disrupt the job market over the next few years as the technology continues to make startling advances while becoming ever more integrated into millions of people’s lives.
“With the rise of AI, the pace of change has accelerated significantly. As this technology becomes increasingly accessible, many employers are already integrating it into their operations,” said Zhaleh Semnani-Azad, an assistant professor of management in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics at California State University, Northridge.
“Areas that are already seeing the most effect are entry-level jobs across a wide array of sectors and fields,” she said. ” This trend is particularly evident in sectors where, historically, recent graduates or educated young professionals faced relatively few barriers to securing entry-level positions.”
For decades, entry-level roles have been essential training grounds for newcomers to step into the world of work. However, the rise of AI is making it harder for some recent college graduates to get a foothold on the corporate ladder as they start their careers, said Semnani-Azad, who studies AI and the workplace.
“A lot of the budgets surrounding entry-level jobs have been slashed recently, so that makes it difficult for young graduates to enter the job market or be successful at finding new positions, let alone get the job,” said Semnani-Azad. “There’s a hiring freeze at many organizations and, based on what I’m seeing or what I’m reading, it doesn’t look like things are going to be changing anytime soon.”
Job postings for the kind of entry-level corporate roles traditionally available to recent graduates have declined 15%, while the number of applications per job has surged 30%, according to data from Handshake, a career platform geared toward Gen Z workers.
Entry level jobs in finance, marketing, accounting, administrative and other sectors in technology, like software development and IT, are seeing the most effect, said Semnani-Azad. In return, instead of new hires, employers are looking at their current workforce.
“Entry-level white-collar positions are experiencing unprecedented disruption due to AI. Earlier technological advances had limited impact on such roles, but AI’s ability to replicate cognitive tasks and execute them more quickly has made its influence far more substantial,” she said. “We’re also seeing employers look at current employees and they’re seeing if they can train them to work with AI so that AI can augment their tasks and duties.”
This is leading many recent college graduates to question their degrees and what their future job prospects look like. However, according to Semnani-Azad, this is the perfect time for job seekers to gain new skills in working with AI and enhance their resumes as they apply for jobs that are already utilizing AI.
“Those entering the job market need to understand how AI works and how that integrates with their education,” said Semnani-Azad. “Is it able to replace or take over parts of the jobs that they were hoping to get? If yes, then they would want to understand AI better and see how they can expand and enhance their skill set with AI.”
Although there is a push for job seekers to get more familiar AI skills, the technology should not replace human interactions and people’s management skills, which Semnani-Azad said will be valued and sought after by employers.
“Human and social skills are something that AI can’t replicate, at least for the near future,” said Semnani-Azad. “You can use AI to help you make better decisions, but you’re the one who’s going to be handling people in the workforce and making those true connections that employers will always seek out.”