Artificial intelligence is reshaping entry-level jobs around the globe, creating a mix of excitement and deep uncertainty for entry-level young onsite, remote and hybrid workers who worry about job security, the relevance of their skills and shifting expectations on day one, according to World Economic Forum‘s recent report.
The report, drawing on the WEF’s Global Dialogue on Artificial intelligence and Entry-Level Work and PwC’s Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey, paints a picture of early-career professionals who are curious about AI’s potential but anxious about its real-world impact on their futures.
While many entry-level workers report higher levels of curiosity (47%) and excitement (38%) than worry (29%), nearly one in three still express anxiety about how AI will affect their roles. Optimism runs strongest in countries like India, Malaysia and Türkiye, while concern is more pronounced in Belgium, France and the Philippines.
Key sources of uncertainty include:
- Job security concerns: Business leaders are nearly evenly split on whether AI will create or eliminate entry-level positions. Young workers are more hopeful, with 39% believing AI will improve their job security over the next three years, but 18% expect it to worsen. Job security remains the top priority for 76% of entry-level respondents.
- Redefined roles: Traditional routine tasks that once helped newcomers build confidence are increasingly automated. New hires are now expected to deliver analysis, creativity and judgment from the start, often while learning to collaborate with AI tools — raising the pressure on day-one performance.
- Skills durability doubts: Only 57% of entry-level workers strongly believe skills gained in the past year are advancing their careers, a lower figure than among managers and executives. About 8% fear that half or fewer of their current skills will remain relevant in three years.
- Risk for older entry-level workers: Gen X workers (ages 45-60) entering or re-entering roles show lower adoption of generative AI and greater confidence in existing skills, potentially leaving them vulnerable without targeted support.
The report calls on employers, educators and policymakers to close perception gaps between workers and leaders, update education and training programs, and provide clearer guidance on AI adoption to help early-career talent navigate the transition.
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