Young people can't find jobs. What should they do?

Young people today are facing a challenging job market, and many are struggling to find their first jobs after college. BBC correspondent Katty Kay spoke with Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn's chief economic opportunity officer, to discuss why it has become so difficult for young adults to start their careers. Over the past five years, LinkedIn surveyed nearly half a million people about their feelings toward their careers, and the results this year show that young people are much more pessimistic than older generations. Headlines frequently highlight the difficulties new graduates face, and the statistics back this up: since 2023, job postings for entry-level positions in the United States have dropped by more than 35 percent. Many executives believe that artificial intelligence will soon take over tasks that entry-level employees currently perform, making it even harder for young people to get their foot in the door. Katty Kay has seen these trends affect her own family. Her 25-year-old son, who holds a master's degree, struggled to find a job, and his girlfriend, who has two master's degrees, is also having trouble finding paid work in her field. They are part of what some call the 'rejection generation'—young adults who send out hundreds of resumes but receive only rejections. This situation is very different from just a few years ago, when her older children were starting their careers. There is debate about how much AI is responsible for these changes, but LinkedIn's data shows that 41 percent of professionals feel that the changing workplace is causing them stress. Katty Kay wanted to learn more about what young people can do to succeed in this new environment, so she spoke with Aneesh Raman, who recently wrote an opinion piece about the breakdown of the traditional career ladder and what it means for young people. Raman explained that the problem is real and significant. Entry-level workers and new graduates are facing a 'perfect storm' of challenges: economic uncertainty and the beginning of major changes caused by AI. As a result, unemployment among young people and new graduates is higher than the national average. Generation Z is feeling more pessimistic about their future than any other age group surveyed. However, Raman also believes that this is a time of transition from static career paths to more dynamic ones. He compared it to Charles Dickens's idea of 'the best of times and the worst of times,' saying that while things are tough now, the changes brought by AI and the new economy will eventually create more options for people to build their careers. Katty Kay asked if some graduates are suffering more than others and whether students should consider studying fields other than computer science. Raman responded that computer science was the star of the knowledge economy, but that economy is ending and a new one is beginning. He pointed out that 96 percent of the average computer software engineer's job could be done by AI soon. This does not mean those jobs will disappear, but the nature of the work will change. Employers are now looking for people who can think about the ethical implications of technology, not just those who can code. The old predictable path—get a degree, get a job—is no longer guaranteed. Now, having a degree is not enough; young people need to show what they have learned and how they can contribute. Raman suggested that retail jobs might become more valuable because they demonstrate resilience and adaptability, qualities that employers are seeking. Katty Kay mentioned a LinkedIn survey of 3,000 executives, where 63 percent said they believe AI will take over entry-level tasks. She asked if this means Generation Z will suffer no matter what, since there may be fewer entry-level jobs available. Raman replied that while it is uncertain, the same survey showed that executives value the fresh ideas and new thinking that young employees bring to businesses. Generation Z is having a tough time, but they are also 'AI-native' and bring a new perspective to the workplace. When economies change, disruption comes first, but new types of jobs are created as well. LinkedIn's data suggests that 70 percent of jobs will have changed by 2030, even if people do not switch jobs. New roles, like influencer or data scientist, did not exist a decade or two ago, and more new jobs will appear in the future. Right now, entry-level workers are affected by how companies choose to use AI. Some companies will focus on cutting costs, while others will realize the value of hiring young people who can help them grow and innovate.

Katty Kay asked Raman what advice he would give to a 22-year-old graduate struggling to find a job. Raman said that young people should focus on themselves and their unique qualities. For a long time, work was centered around technology, but now it is shifting to focus on people. Young adults should discover what makes them curious and what drives them, and strive to be the best version of themselves. By understanding and expressing their unique strengths, they can stand out in the new world of work.

In summary, the job market for young people is tough, but there are ways to adapt. The world of work is changing rapidly due to technology and AI, and young people need to develop new skills, show resilience, and be open to different types of jobs. Employers are looking for individuals who can think creatively and bring new ideas. Although the current situation is difficult, there will be new opportunities in the future for those who are prepared and willing to grow.