San Francisco, April 29: Entry-level jobs are rapidly declining, leading many young individuals to explore alternative paths using AI tools. Experts suggest that the traditional route of securing a job right after graduation is becoming increasingly challenging.
Ashley Terrell, a 2024 graduate from the University of Hawaii, anticipated landing a good marketing job. Despite her degree, internships, and experience, she received only one job offer to work in a store after months of searching. Her experience is not unique; many young graduates are facing similar struggles.
With fewer entry-level positions available, young professionals are turning to content creation, app development, and consultancy, leveraging AI tools to carve out their own paths. Madison, a 25-year-old working at Amazon, has been creating social media apps in her spare time with the help of AI. She noted that without AI, this project would have taken months and required a large team, but she was able to develop a prototype in just one month.
Similarly, Suhit Agarwal, a graduate from the University of Southern California, began working with startups after receiving no responses from large companies. He has taken on significant responsibilities with the assistance of AI tools, viewing technology as a means to innovate rather than just a challenge.
Celeste Amadon, 22, chose to leave her internship in investment banking at JP Morgan to launch her own dating app, “None.” Initially met with resistance from her family, she gained their support once she secured funding. Elijah Kasabo, who once folded clothes, is now managing his own team, although achieving a stable income remains a significant hurdle.
According to Harvard Business School professor Joseph Fuller, starting one’s own business is not easy. Most startups fail due to a lack of stable income, yet many young people are seeing it as a way to take control of their s. Fuller states that while AI has reduced traditional job opportunities, it has also provided new tools for work. The major shift for youth is the decrease in job security alongside an increase in confidence to create something on their own.
Experts highlight that the first step into the job market is becoming increasingly difficult for the new generation. A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that unemployment among 22-27-year-olds in the U.S. is at a high level post-COVID. This trend is impacting entry-level jobs, as repetitive tasks are now being handled by AI. Economist Daniel Zhao notes, “It has become difficult to even get a foot on the first rung of the ladder.” Many young graduates are finding themselves in retail or part-time jobs despite their degrees.