AI Advancements Pose Job Threat for Recent Graduates – But Not Imminent Disaster
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various sectors, from writing to creative tasks, raising questions about the future of employment. One individual feeling the impact is Olivia Fair, a recent graduate who’s struggled to secure long-term jobs in the past six months.
In her recent work history, Olivia held a position in TV production, transcribing interviews. However, the role has evolved dramatically with AI taking over most transcription duties, leaving fewer opportunities for human employees. This trend is prevalent across many entry-level positions.
Laura Ullrich, Director of Economic Research at Indeed, reported a 6.7% year-over-year decline in job postings, particularly affecting younger job seekers and recent graduates. While there seems to be a correlation between the rise in AI usage and the decrease in jobs for fresh graduates, Ullrich cautions that it’s not as drastic as one might think, especially when considering tech job postings, which have dropped by 36% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
According to Ullrich, the uncertain national climate (tariffs, taxes, foreign policy) also contributes to the challenging employment market. Some companies have opted to pause hiring due to this uncertainty.
David Autor, a labor economist at MIT, believes that while AI may displace newcomers and novices in certain fields, it will not render entire job sectors obsolete overnight. However, he does express concern about the potential loss of expertise as jobs requiring empathy, creative thinking, or physicality remain less susceptible to automation.
AI’s capabilities are more evident in roles that involve screen-based tasks such as coding, accounting, copywriting, translation, customer service, paralegal work, illustration, graphic design, songwriting, and information management. Conversely, healthcare, teaching, social assistance, mental health, police and fire, engineering, construction, wind and solar, tourism, trades (like plumbing and electrical), and emerging job categories will likely remain relatively immune to AI-driven displacement.
David Autor foresees the emergence of new job fields as a result of AI advancements, with areas like solar and wind generation, medical specialties, and others previously unimagined becoming significant employment opportunities. Predicting the specifics remains challenging, but change is inevitable.
Autor reassures that a nationwide unemployment crisis does not seem imminent, although there will undoubtedly be displacement in certain occupations and career loss. However, he believes we may see improvements in sectors like medicine, energy production, and agriculture as AI continues to evolve.
In the meantime, Ullrich advises young job seekers to remain proactive, exploring alternative employment avenues such as temporary work, part-time positions, or post-graduate internships. Networking with former professors and fellow alumni can also help secure a job this year.
Olivia Fair is actively pursuing her interests in creativity, writing, and production while emphasizing the human touch that sets her apart from AI. As she puts it, “I’m a person, not a robot.”
