As US college graduates prepare to enter the workforce, anxiety about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their careers is prevalent. Concerns range from the devaluation of degrees to gender imbalance in technology departments. Despite the challenges, opportunities also arise for students with AI proficiency, particularly in writing-intensive roles.
As graduates prepare to enter the workforce, anxiety about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their careers is prevalent, particularly concerning tools like ChatGPT. A BestColleges poll indicates that six in ten US college students fear AI is diminishing the value of their degrees. Additionally, over half expect AI to devalue their studies further to potential employers.
Women, underrepresented in computing and science degrees, are especially concerned about being excluded from the job market. Currently, technology departments are predominantly male. There is apprehension that AI’s spread into marketing and core business functions might exacerbate gender imbalance.
Employers and hiring algorithms might increasingly require technical degrees for working with AI tools. Programs like ChatGPT ease data handling and programming, meaning students aiming for IT or data science roles may need advanced courses beyond a liberal arts education.
However, AI also creates opportunities for liberal arts students, particularly in writing-intensive subjects. Companies deploying AI for customer interaction are hiring writers to create scripts and prompts, roles where female students are more prominent.
Both genders worry that AI could transform the entry-level job market. Early financial and professional services tests suggest AI tools will alter marketing, investment banking, and legal document creation. This shift could reduce the need for junior employees traditionally gaining experience through grunt work.
Senior professionals in law and banking express concern about AI’s impact on recruiting and training, cautious of overhiring entry-level staff. Some fear that the tech focus could hinder workplace diversity. Roya Rahmani from Delphos International voices concerns about women falling behind due to automation.
US employers plan to hire 5.8% fewer new graduates this year, with financial services, computer and electronics manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals seeing the largest declines. Nonetheless, some believe AI will benefit new graduates. Lisa Donahue from AlixPartners indicates that current graduates, versed in AI, may have an edge over existing workforce members.
AI’s growing role in the workplace requires students and graduates to adapt. Most white-collar jobs now involve large language models, and proficiency with these tools is increasingly valued. As AI becomes essential for retrieving, condensing, and synthesizing information, oversight roles are likely to increase, offering opportunities for graduates with strong communication skills, an area where women may excel.
Michael Zeltkevic of Oliver Wyman points out that managing both people and bots is a new skill, making AI proficiency crucial across all sectors.
