Recent graduates Irene Chang and Jacqueline Kline face a challenging entry-level job market influenced by artificial intelligence and remote work.
Recent graduates Irene Chang and Jacqueline Kline are navigating a difficult entry-level job market where many believe artificial intelligence is a primary factor in their employment struggles. Irene Chang, a Georgia Tech graduate, has submitted 450 applications for data analyst roles without an offer, while Jacqueline Kline, a Florida State University graduate, has applied to over 500 jobs since last December. Economists offer varying perspectives on the impact of AI. Erik Brynjolfsson of Stanford University suggests that AI is impacting entry-level roles because junior workers rely on codified knowledge that AI can perform efficiently. Conversely, David Deming of Harvard University argues that remote work is a more significant driver of junior hiring declines, as it is harder to train entry-level workers from a distance. Additionally, University of Chicago economist Anders Humlum notes that companies making the largest AI investments are actually increasing their entry-level headcount. While the experts agree on a major economic shift, they remain optimistic that AI will ultimately be a force for good in the workforce.