Graduates vs. AI: Why the Future’s Bright, Not Bleak!

Finding a job after university is becoming more challenging for many young people, especially as artificial intelligence, or AI, changes the way companies hire new workers. Divine Jacob, a recent computer science graduate from the University of Lincoln, says he applies for dozens of jobs every month but finds it tough to get noticed. He believes that AI systems, which many companies now use to sort through job applications, make it harder for people like him to stand out. Divine is not alone in feeling this way. Many young people worry that AI is creating extra barriers when they try to enter the workforce.

AI is now a big part of the job search process. Many employers use AI to read and sort applications before a human ever sees them. Divine says this makes the process feel less personal. He misses the chance to connect with someone face-to-face or even over the phone. To help with this problem, some people are creating new tools. For example, Suz Bannister started an app called Riser. This app lets job seekers upload a one-minute video to introduce themselves and show their strengths. Suz believes that to stand out in the age of AI, people need to show both their soft skills, like communication, and their hard skills, like technical knowledge.

The job market is also changing in other ways. According to the consulting firm McKinsey, jobs in areas most affected by AI, such as software development, design, and media, have dropped by 38 percent in the past year. This means there are fewer jobs for graduates in these fields. Young people are facing a tough situation: fewer jobs overall, fewer graduate-level jobs, and less demand for lower-skilled roles. However, some experts think things are starting to change. Tera Allas from McKinsey says that companies are realizing they need people who can use AI tools well. Demand is growing for graduates with AI skills and good people management abilities. Rahan Arif, who started BossUp AI, believes that young people who understand AI will soon be in high demand. He says that in a few years, things will improve for graduates. Divine Jacob eventually found a job. He says the long search made him more resilient and believes that those who keep trying will succeed in the end.