Frustrated by the impact of AI on entry-level jobs? There’s good reason to feel anxious about the changing nature of work, particularly the kind of work available for fresh grads who are still trying to break into the land of the employed, only to be barred right at the gate. Despite the growing worries, many experts continue to suggest that the technology isn’t making jobs disappear entirely, but only giving them new forms. AI’s role in the transformation of the workforce has been diverse, but for new entry-level roles, matters largely boil down to supervisory tasks.
Data shows that HR leaders overwhelmingly believe that entry-level roles will evolve into positions where employees supervise or manage AI systems, and a similar number also believe that the technology will soon create jobs that did not previously exist.
AI is changing the very nature of entry-level jobs, but new reports show that 94% of HR leaders believe this could give rise to new opportunities. (Image: Freepik)
How Is AI Transforming Entry-Level Jobs? The More You Know, the Easier It Is to Prepare
The AI Workforce Pulse report, a joint study by Cognizant and Pearson, asked HR leaders what they think about artificial intelligence and the ways that it is reshaping the realm of employment. The report found that 96% of HR leaders expect that entry-level roles will evolve into supervisory or managerial posts for AI oversight in the next five years. In a similar vein, 94% expect that the technology will give rise to new roles during the same period.
This AI job creation is a positive turn of events from the perspective of employment, but it also requires us to pause and reflect on what these supervision roles will mean for worker skills. If entry-level roles are reshaped around technology, it will require job seekers to master specific training in order to keep up. With this altered training and skill-building, many may not have the skills needed for more senior roles later in their careers, unless these positions undergo a transformation as well. With new entry-level roles, we may need new roles across seniority levels as well.
AI is already transforming how we work, and thus far, many college grads have found themselves being replaced by the technology in entry-level roles rather than finding new opportunities awaiting them. But organizations are increasingly learning that the tech cannot work in isolation without guidance to drive it to the right place. This is where the importance of managers continues to grow. Over 90% of respondents agreed that middle managers will be instrumental to this transition phase, aiding workers with redefining their roles to keep up with the changing nature of work.
AI’s Workforce Transformation Won’t Be Complete Without the Right Preparation
HR leaders have a central role to play in identifying the potential collaboration between human skills and AI, and their reassurances that there will be room for the workforce to continue to seek employment are decidedly reassuring. It is, however, important to consider what it will take to stay relevant in the era of AI. Training and upskilling are key considerations for the next five years, but most don’t know where to look for this training.
Part of the fault lies with employers. About 91% of HR leaders have witnessed a rise in the number of employees requesting AI training, but 46% of organizations have still not actively begun to provide it. Unfortunately, it is possible that business leaders aren’t sure of the exact skill sets and abilities needed either. The report found that 64% of respondents state that they cannot find the right talent due to the rapid advancement of technology changing what skills they need to hire for.
Organizations are keen on keeping up with AI and making preparations for the changes that are underway, but in the present, we require greater clarity on what this means. The Cognizant-Pearson AI study makes it clear that workers with interdisciplinary backgrounds, liberal arts degrees, and soft skills will be in demand in the coming years, and previous reports have similarly suggested as much. What we now need is greater investments in human skill to keep up with the needs of AI, rather than restricted investments in technology alone.
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