AI threatens entry-level jobs for young people – LinkedIn study

Yevgeny Demkivskyi - 20 May, 06:10 PM

Artificial intelligence is gradually replacing people in entry-level positions in IT, law, and retail — the very ones that were traditionally the first step for young professionals. According to LinkedIn analysts, young professionals are facing more difficulties in the labor market than other workers: the unemployment rate among graduates has increased by 30% since 2022. This is reported by The New York Times.

Generation Z is the least optimistic about their career prospects, while 63% of LinkedIn executives believe that AI will eventually completely take over routine tasks currently performed by younger employees.

The changes will most affect white-collar jobs with higher education. Although a complete replacement of these positions is not currently taking place. In addition, the disappearance of entry-level positions will deepen inequality in the labor market and may have social consequences, as was the case with the loss of industrial jobs in the 1980s.

To solve this problem, analysts believe that it is necessary to take a fresh look at entry-level positions, update training programs in accordance with modern employer requirements, and assign young workers tasks that go beyond routine work and contribute to the development of skills. Some companies have already begun to involve young people in more complex projects that were previously carried out by more experienced colleagues - this not only increases efficiency, but also accelerates the professional growth of employees.

According to a LinkedIn survey, Generation Z is open to new opportunities: 40% of young professionals are ready to change jobs and even receive a lower salary if it gives them better chances for career development.

Entry-level jobs are the foundation of many people's jobs, analysts say. Improving and modernizing them can help young people better prepare for work and build successful careers. But if we don't change the job market and update these jobs, we could lose an entire generation of professionals.