Okay, so hear me out…
We all know AI is changing things, and fast. But a recent study from Stanford has dropped some pretty significant numbers about its impact on early-career jobs in the US. The headline? A 13% decline in employment opportunities for entry-level workers specifically in fields heavily exposed to AI tools.
That’s a pretty big chunk, right? It means fewer spots for folks just starting out, especially when AI can now handle a lot of those foundational tasks that used to be the entry points into many careers.
What’s Actually Happening?
Think about it. Many entry-level roles involve tasks like data entry, basic customer service, content moderation, or even initial code writing. These are precisely the areas where AI has made huge leaps. Tools are getting smarter at automating these processes, which can lead companies to need fewer people to do the same amount of work.
So, it’s not that AI is eliminating jobs entirely, but rather it’s shifting the demand. Instead of needing ten people for repetitive tasks, a company might now need two people to oversee and manage the AI that does those tasks, plus maybe a few specialized roles to handle the exceptions or complex problems the AI can’t.
Why This Matters for New Grads and Young Professionals
This study highlights a potential bottleneck for those just entering the workforce. If the traditional