The fear of AI stealing our jobs is a prevalent concern, but the reality is far more nuanced and, in some ways, more concerning. AI is not just taking over jobs; it's creating a barrier for those who are eager to learn and enter the workforce.
As we witness the first steps of a new generation into the job market, an unexpected hurdle emerges: artificial intelligence. The very technology designed to free us from mundane tasks now seems to be blocking the path to professional success for the youth.
The traditional career ladder, with its internships, junior roles, and entry-level assignments, is being disrupted. As Aneesh Raman, Head of Business Opportunities at LinkedIn, puts it, "the first step is missing." Companies are now turning to AI for tasks that were once the domain of entry-level employees, from coding to data entry and administrative work.
Tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are leading the charge, automating roles that were once the stepping stones for young professionals. The result? A significant drop in on-the-job learning opportunities.
The numbers paint a concerning picture. The New York Federal Reserve reports that the unemployment rate for young graduates in the US is 5.8%, compared to 6.2% for younger workers. This rise is, in part, attributed to the rapid automation of entry-level tasks. Companies like Duolingo and Shopify are already reducing junior recruitment, opting for AI systems instead.
So, is the future bleak for our youth? Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed, highlights that in approximately two-thirds of professions, over half of the required skills can be performed adequately, if not exceptionally, by current AI. While AI doesn't eliminate jobs entirely, it renders traditional training pathways obsolete.
The paradox is stark: companies cry out for skilled labor, yet they no longer provide the training grounds for such talent. In Europe, this tension is particularly acute, with companies struggling to find experienced technical profiles while simultaneously blocking the access of young people to roles that would develop such expertise.
If this trend persists, AI won't eliminate millions of jobs overnight; it will prevent the emergence of future professionals. In the long run, we risk having powerful tools with insufficient qualified human resources to oversee and advance them. To ensure a beneficial outcome for all, we must reevaluate professional integration and create spaces for human learning, especially in domains where machines are rapidly advancing.
But here's where it gets controversial: should we be concerned about the potential consequences of AI on the job market, or is this a natural progression that will ultimately benefit society? And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the jobs AI takes, but the learning opportunities it removes.
What are your thoughts? Do you think we need to address this issue, or is it a natural evolution that we should embrace? Let's discuss in the comments!
