Artificial intelligence is threatening entry-level jobs that Gen Z workers need to launch their careers, according to Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn's Chief Economic Opportunity Officer. Raman warns that AI is increasingly taking on mundane tasks currently allocated to entry-level employees, with 63% of executives agreeing that AI will eventually assume some of these tasks.
In the tech industry, advanced coding tools are handling simple code writing and debugging tasks, traditionally done by junior developers. At law firms, junior paralegals and first-year associates are handing over document review work to AI tools, freeing them up for more complex tasks. Similarly, in retail, AI chatbots and automated customer service tools are taking on duties once assigned to young associates.
The consequences of this shift are already being felt. The unemployment rate for college graduates has risen 30% since September 2022, compared to 18% for all workers. Moreover, Gen Z job candidates are more pessimistic about their futures than any other age group, with 40% willing to switch jobs and take a 2-5% pay cut for more opportunities to advance.
To mitigate the impact of AI on entry-level jobs, Raman suggests that companies need to redesign entry-level jobs to give workers higher-level tasks that add value beyond what AI can produce. Colleges should also embed AI across their curricula to prepare students for an AI-driven workforce. Furthermore, workers will need to develop skills that complement AI, such as adaptability, creativity, and complex problem-solving.
By taking proactive steps to address the impact of AI on entry-level jobs, companies and educators can help ensure that the next generation of workers is equipped to succeed in an AI-driven economy.
